Independent Office for Police Conduct

We were delighted to recently present a session about improving policing practice and addressing issues in the police complaints system at an annual security meeting hosted by Alpha Omega WPS Foundation. Emma and Jonathan from our stakeholder engagement team delivered the session which was followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions, and a speech by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Clare Hayward. Other attendees included the Police Commissioner of Cheshire, Dan Price and the Mayor of Cheshire East, Councillor Marilyn Houston. The event also featured an opening speech by the Deputy Mayor of Crewe Town - Councillor Sally Graham. Learn more about our work:  ▶️ https://rb.gy/hqgltq

“Engaging with police officers' of the future is key to developing accountability in the policing system” – Amanda Rowe, Director of Engagement    We recently delivered a session to policing degree students at Edge Hill University about our work at the IOPC. Director of Engagement Amanda Rowe spoke about our role within the police complaints system, how we approach investigations and undertake our oversight work. The students heard about how we identify trends and our thematic work in areas like race discrimination and violence against women and girls (VAWG). We also discussed the various career routes and paths within our organisation, and what they involve on a day-to-day basis.   Learn more about our work:  ▶️ https://rb.gy/hqgltq  

This #InternationalWomensDay, we are highlighting our ‘You have a voice’ campaign which raised awareness of the police complaints system to build trust and confidence among women and girls who are victims and survivors, and those who support them. Our range of dedicated products are available to organisations and advocates who support women and girls, and can be downloaded from the website link below. The products include: 📒An advocates information pack for professionals to help them advocate for and support women and girls in navigating the police complaints process. 📃Posters and leaflets with information about our campaign and how to make a complaint.  🪪 A fold-able business card containing helpful information, which is disguised with a neutral false cover. This has been designed specifically for women and girls who are vulnerable to abuse. Find out more about our ‘You have a Voice’ campaign: ▶️https://lnkd.in/evKwTa65

March is a time to honour, uplift, and celebrate the incredible achievements of women past, present, and future. Alongside our ‘Sex & Family’ staff network, we are marking #InternationalWomensDay within Women’s History Month, to recognise the trailblazers who have shattered barriers, the leaders shaping today’s world, and the next generation of change-makers. This year the campaign theme is ‘Accelerate Action’ and we champion equality, inclusion, and empowerment—because when women are supported, societies thrive. We aim to continue to amplifying voices, challenge biases, and create opportunities for every woman to reach her full potential. To every woman making a difference—your strength, resilience, and brilliance inspire us all. Find out more about our work to end violence against women and girls: ▶️ https://rb.gy/fs7led 

We were pleased to be invited to give an introduction to our work and the police complaints system last week to second year policing degree students at the University of Central Lancashire.     Presented by our North West Operations Manager, Kathryn, and Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Jonathan, the theme of the lecture was ‘Effectiveness of policing in managing racial tensions within communities’, with a focus on the shooting of Mark Duggan in 2011 and the subsequent riots. There was also a discussion about the riots and civil disorder that took place in the summer of 2024.     Within our session we discussed our investigations and outcomes and how we approach critical incidents. The event culminated with a question and answer discussion exploring best practice for engagement and improvements to policing.     Learn more about our work with communities:  ▶️ https://rb.gy/6bviv0

Want to know how to request a review of your complaint about the police?  A review of a police complaint involves asking the correct organisation (relevant review body) to look at the handling and outcome of your complaint to check whether it was reasonable and proportionate. Your outcome letter from the police service or other organisation who dealt with your original complaint should clearly state who the relevant review body is - it could be our organisation or another policing body, such as your local police and crime commissioner. Each year we handle 2160 reviews into police complaints. We’ve created this video to present answers to some of the Frequently Asked Questions we receive about reviews.  Read our full Frequently Asked Questions:  ▶️ https://rb.gy/njnsvd 

Are you unhappy with the way your #police complaint was handled, or with the final outcome? A review of a police complaint involves asking the correct organisation (relevant review body) to look at the handling and outcome of your complaint to check whether it was reasonable and proportionate. Each year we handle more than 2160 reviews into police complaints. We’ve created this video to explain how you can request a review and also explore the various outcomes that could result from a review. Learn more:  ▶️ https://rb.gy/njnsvd 

We provide a range of initiatives to help our employees take care of their psychological, physical, social and financial wellbeing. That’s why we recently launched a new initiative to help our employees prioritise their health and access support when they need it most. Our health cash plan scheme gives our employees the opportunity to reclaim many everyday health-related costs such as dentistry, physio, acupuncture, chiropractors and so on.  They also get instant access to some crucial health-related services, such as an online GP service. The scheme also allows our employees the option to select different levels of cover and be able to add family members to their plan. Our dedicated wellbeing consultant, Jo Newman, arranged and co-hosted several successful launch events allowing employees to sign-up and learn about the scheme. Some of our employees who have already signed up shared what they are enjoying most about the scheme: “I have used it and I absolutely love it! It has been great for the children as I don't have to spend long periods on the phone waiting, when trying to get a GP appointment. I now know that I can get an appointment if I need one which gives me peace of mind. Customer service have been absolutely brilliant as well.”  “I have used the health cash plan a number of times already for dentistry and my son's regular physio for a football injury. It has been super easy to use and the money is my account very quickly. I would highly recommend it.” “I've claimed back in one month more than I will pay out throughout the year with just glasses and dental and I've not finished yet! It will also encourage me to get other non-NHS treatment  that I put off due to the cost.  It's brilliant - I've received my payment within a week.” 

Complaints about the police across England and Wales rose by 5% to more than 85,000 in the last year. The figures are published today as part of our annual report on #PoliceComplaints – statistics for England and Wales for 2023/24    Our report provides an overview of police complaints – identifying the volume and type of complaints made, and how forces handled them from first contact with the complainant to completion. Commenting on the report, our Director General Rachel Watson also said: “We are working closely with forces to help ensure professional standards departments get complaint handling right first time.  “It is encouraging to see forces continued to contact complainants promptly. Early communication is vital and, while the average time taken rose slightly to six days, this is still a quick response and provides the opportunity to resolve complaints as quickly as possible. “This year saw an 5% rise in the number of complaints logged, with more than half relating to the relatively everyday issues classed as ‘the delivery of duties and services’, rather than serious misconduct.” Read our report to learn about the complaints #police forces receive and how they responded:  ▶️rb.gy/oc214 

This week we met with a range of community organisations across London and the South East to discuss race discrimination in policing. Our Director General, Rachel Watson, introduced our work and facilitated a question and answer session who work closely on the issue of race discrimination. Key members of our Senior Management team also discussed what needs to be improved further within the police conduct and complaints landscape. Our staff shared their insights on race and race discrimination and answered questions about our organisation’s investigations in relation to discrimination. They also were able to dispel myths and misconceptions about our powers within the legal framework we work within. The event came to a close after an open discussion about how we can overcome the biggest challenges to address racial discrimination in policing. Read our ‘Race Discrimination’ report:  ▶️https://rb.gy/enxp7v