Application for Complaint Review

Requesting a review of the outcome of your complaint:

Following an overhaul of the Police Complaints and Discipline system that were outlined in the Police and Crime Act 2017, changes to the system have come into force with effect from the 1st February 2020.

The changes include a simplification of what constitutes a complaint.  The new definition is as follows: Any expression of dissatisfaction with a police force which is expressed (whether in writing or otherwise) by or on behalf of a member of the public.  A complainant must be a member of the public who was adversely affected by the matter complained about, or someone acting on behalf of someone who was adversely affected by the matter complained about.

It is hoped that this new, simplified definition will help demystify the process and will allow police forces to work to resolve areas of concern raised by the public.

If you wish to make an initial complaint, then the Leicestershire Police has a simple online page to guide you through the process.

The process:

Once a police force receives a complaint they will be expected to establish contact with the complainant to find out how they want the matter dealt with.  This could be through either formal or informal channels and will be handled by either the force itself, the Police and Crime Commissioner  (PCC) if the complaint relates to the personal actions of the Chief Constable, or in certain circumstances, by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

One significant change is the role that the PCC will have in handling appeals against the outcome of a complaint investigation.  Now the right to request a review is directed to the PCC (previously an appeal was usually heard by the Chief Constable of the force), thereby bringing independence to the process.

When undertaking a review of a force's handling of a complaint, the PCC will have to consider whether the outcome of the handling of the complaint is reasonable and proportionate.

The PCC will not be able to reinvestigate the complaint or pass comment on the outcome.  However, if the PCC believes that the force's actions were either unreasonable or disproportionate they will make a recommendation to the appropriate authority (Professional Standards Department of Leicestershire Police) who must consider the recommendation and respond in in writing within 28 days.

Please Note:

Your appeal must be received within 28 calendar days from the day after the date stated on your outcome letter. For example, if your letter is dated 1 April, you have to make sure we receive your appeal by 29 April.

If you wish to make a Complaint Review Application then please complete and submit the form below.  However, if you find it difficult to use this form or service (e.g. English is not your first language or you have a disability - please do not hesitate to contact us).  

Before completing this form please read our Privacy Notice which can be viewed on our Policies & Procedures page.