The IPCC is the body that oversees the police complaints system in England and Wales. It is independent of the police and government.
The police complaints system is designed to raise standards, cut delays, increase public confidence and transform the way police forces handle complaints from the public.
The IPCC has the power to conduct investigations itself, or to manage or supervise police investigations into complaints or allegations of misconduct. The IPCC also has a wider responsibility to monitor and work to improve the way that complaints are handled by local police forces—this is their "guardianship" role.
If you are unhappy about how you have been treated by the police, it is your right to complain.
Further information on who can make a complaint and the variety of ways in which this can be done is available. A complaint form is available for download.
Complaints about any person serving with the police (including chief constables, police officers, special constables and staff who are not police officers) will be dealt with under this system.
The Police Complaints System And Homophobic Discrimination
The police complaints system emphasises the importance of tackling discriminatory behaviour in the police service. Complaints about minor criminal matters must be automatically referred to the IPCC if there is an accompanying allegation of discriminatory behaviour. In addition, IPCC Commissioners will work with their forces on their local response to discrimination complaints.