Members of the public can make a complaint against the conduct of a member of the police service using any of the following methods:

• In person at any police station, by phone or in writing, e-mail or fax.
• By phone, e-mail or writing to the Independent Police Complaints Commission who will pass it on to the Professional Standards Department for further assessment.
• By a third party provided the complainant gives permission, preferably in writing, for the third party to make the complaint on their behalf. Consent will automatically be taken as given where the complaint is made by a solicitor on behalf of a client or by a parent or guardian on behalf of a juvenile (a person 17 years or younger).

The Police Reform Act 2002 defines a complaint as ‘any complaint about the conduct of a person serving with the police which is made in writing or otherwise by a member of the public who claims to be:

• The person that the police misconduct was directed towards.
• A member of the public who alleges that they have been adversely effected. The interpretation is broad and would include any form of distress, inconvenience, loss or damage, obstruction or being put in danger or risk, even if the conduct was not directed at them.
• Any member of the public who claims to have witnessed misconduct by the police.
• A person acting on behalf of someone who falls within any of the above categories e.g. A responsible adult or a member of an organisation who has been given written permission to act on their behalf.

Complaints can be made against the following members of staff :

• Police officers of all ranks, including members of the Special Constabulary.
• Staff employed by the Police Authority and under the direction and control of the Chief Constable. This includes police community support officers, Scenes of Crime Officers and detention staff.
• Contracted staff e.g. Escort or custody officers employed by an another company.

This does not include members of the Police Authority, Neighbourhood Watch and Police Surgeons.