Securing outstanding policing for local people
Complaints against chief officers
Humberside Police Authority is responsible for dealing with issues of the conduct of senior police officers in Humberside Police (Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable and Assistant Chief Constables). Complaints against a police officer below the rank of Assistant Chief Constable or against police staff are dealt with by Humberside Police.
All police officers must act within the law and a strict Code of Conduct.
Should you believe that a Chief Officer has acted improperly, you may make a formal complaint against him or her. The formal complaints procedure is dictated by statute and overseen by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
Who can make a complaint?
You can make a complaint if you are a member of the public who:
- Has been the victim of the misconduct by a chief officer serving with Humberside Police.
- Was present when the alleged misconduct took place, or close enough to see or hear the misconduct and as a result suffered loss, damage, distress or inconvenience, or was put in danger or at risk.
- Is a friend or relative of the victim of the alleged misconduct, distressed by the effects of the incident on the victim.
- Has witnessed the alleged misconduct.
- Is acting on behalf of any of the above. Please note that if you would like someone to make a complaint on your behalf you must give them your consent in writing unless they are from a body such as a Citizens Advice Bureau.
How do I make a complaint?
You can make a complaint directly to the Humberside Police Authority or through the IPCC or another advice organisation e.g. Citizens Advice Bureau.
What should my complaint say?
As well as your name, address and contact details, the main things that your complaint should cover are:
- What happened.
- When it happened.
- Who was involved.
- What was said or done.
- Whether there were any witnesses other than yourself and the chief police officer.
- Where the witnesses can be contacted, if known.
- Details of any damage or injury which took place.
More information can be obtained by selecting one of the links below: