Complaint statistics for Dorset Police
Dorset Police
Complaints Statistics 2012-13 (112kb PDF) >
The purpose of the above publication is to present
performance information on complaints concerning the conduct of
persons serving with Dorset Police, misconduct proceedings,
direction and control complaints and civil litigation claims. This
information will support considered decision making and tasking
through monthly and quarterly meetings, and can be used as a tool
to compare the Force’s performance with our most similar family of
Forces and in national IPCC
reports.
The latest 'Police Complaints and Information Bulletin from the
IPCC' for
Dorset Police is published below.
Complaint Statistics for
the period April 2012 - September 2012 (268kb
PDF) >
Force
Commentary for Complaint Statistics for the period April 2012 -
September 2012 (28kb PDF) >
View the latest 'Police Complaints and Information Bulletins'
for England and Wales on the IPCC
website >
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a
complaint? >
What should my complaint
say? >
What will happen to my
complaint? >
Should I make a
complaint? >
What happens if Dorset
Police refuses to record and investigate my
complaint? >
How are complaints
investigated? >
Who investigates the
complaint? >
What will happen after the
investigation? >
What happens if I
disagree with the Superintendent's findings? >
If there is a misconduct hearing,
will I be told? >
Can I take civil
action? >
How do I make a complaint?
Visit your local police station where a senior officer will
complete the relevant form and attempt to locally resolve your
complaint, or you can contact the Superintendent in charge of the
Professional Standards Department in writing to Dorset Police Force
Headquarters, Winfrith, Dorchester, DT2 8DZ, or telephone 01202
223808, or fax 01202 223771. The department can also be contacted
by email: complaints&misconduct@dorset.pnn.police.uk if
required.
What should my complaint say?
It should give details of when, where, what happened, what was
said, the police officers and witnesses involved, and whether any
proof exists of any damage or injury.
What will happen to my complaint?
Once your complaint has been made, you will be seen to discuss
the options available to resolve the matter. Leaflets about the
complaints procedure are available from the Professional Standards
Department and your local police station. A computer image of the
leaflet and a link to the Independent Police Complaints Commission
is available on http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/ >
Should I make a complaint?
If you think a police officer has behaved incorrectly, then you
have a right to complain.
What happens if Dorset Police refuses to record and
investigate my complaint?
You have a right of appeal against this decision to the
Independent Police Complaints Commission. You will be sent a
leaflet advising how you may do this when the Department advises
you of such a decision.
How are complaints investigated?
The Professional Standards Department will record a complaint
from a member of the public if the complaint alleges misconduct by
our staff. Consideration will then be given to whether it is
possible to locally resolve your complaint. This is an effective
method of speedily dealing with your concerns without resort to the
recording of statements and gathering of evidence necessary for a
formal investigation. Local Resolution may involve an undertaking
to pursue a particular course of action, an apology in appropriate
circumstances or an explanation of why events unfolded as they did.
This may include a meeting with the member of staff concerned which
will allow you the opportunity to be heard. The process requires
your consent and formal investigation may still be an option if
Local Resolution is unsuccessful. If Local resolution is not
possible the department will investigate the complaint. In
accordance with the operating practices of the Independent Police
Complaints Commission.
Who investigates the complaint?
The Superintendent supervises all cases within the department.
The Chief Inspector will allways be the Investigating Officer for
the complaint and an Inspector or Civilian Investigator will be
allocated to assist the investigation.
What will happen after the investigation?
In appropriate cases the Crown Prosecution Service decides
whether any criminal charges will be brought against the person
complained of. The Superintendent will then decide whether your
complaint is substantiated (upheld) and whether any police staff
should face misconduct proceedings.
What happens if I disagree with the Superintendent's
findings?
You have a right of appeal to the Independent Police Complaints
Commission. When the Superintendent writes to you, you will be sent
a copy of a leaflet setting out how you may do this.
If there is a misconduct hearing, will I be
told?
Yes, the police will inform you. You may be asked to attend;
indeed you are likely to be an important witness.
Can I take civil action?
Yes, making a complaint does not affect your right ot take the
police to court and sue for damages. You are advised to seek
independent legal advice if you wish to take this course of
action.