The Professional Standards department (PSD) are responsible for the management of all public complaints, whether they are made about police officers, police staff or special constables. PSD is completely separate from the officers or members of staff who are complained about.
In addition they investigate the more serious allegations of misconduct involving police officers and special constables. PSD provide the link between Hampshire Constabulary and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and ensure that any serious matters are referred to the IPCC as soon as possible.
We also need your feedback about the day-to-day delivery of the policing service. What is good and what we did not do so well. This will allow us to learn and adapt so that we can deliver the service you expect while continuing to catch criminals and make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a safer place to live and work.
What can I complain about?
If you think that a police officer of member of police staff has behaved incorrectly or unfairly, you have a right to make a complaint.
People who work in the police service should behave appropriately at all times. Expectations about the behaviour of both police officers and staff are set out in their respective Standards of Professional Behaviour. These expectations include requirements to:
- Act with honesty and integrity, fairness and impartiality
- Treat members of the public and colleagues with respect
- Not abuse their powers and authority
- Act in a manner that does not discredit or undermine public confidence in the police service.
If you feel that someone working for the police has not met these standards, you can make a complaint. These type of complaints are dealt with under the Police Reform Act 2002
Other types of complaint
Complaints about the overall policies or procedures of a police force are often referred to as 'direction and control' issues. These can include complaints about the organisation of a police force or general policing standards in you local area. These complaints can not be dealt with under the Police Reform Act 2002.
Click here for information on how to make a complaint
