Making a Complaint about the Police to the Independent Office for Police Misconduct (IOPC/IPCC

Making a complaint about the Police to the Independent Office for Police Misconduct (IOPC/IPCC)

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) oversees complaints made about the police in England and Wales. In some circumstances, for our solicitors to be able to assess your claim against the police for misconduct, we recommend you make a formal complaint to the IOPC.

Making a complaint to the IOPC at an early stage can, in some cases assist with your civil case for damages. In some cases, a complaint to the IOPC can take around 18 months to conclude before you can start your civil case. We find even when a complaint has been finalized, the legal department of the relevant police force do not always accept the findings and may still deny liability. If your complaint involved gross misconduct by an officer, then we would advise you to make a formal complaint to the IOPC.

Previously known as the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), they became the IOPC in January 2018. They make their decision entirely independent from the police and government, investigating the most serious matters and setting the standards by which the police should handle complaints. The IOPC investigates only certain complaints made against the police involving death, serious assault or sexual offences in other cases they may refer your case to the relevant forces Professional Standards Department.

The IOPC received a total of 31,671 complaints in the year 2017/18. Police forces themselves handle the majority of complaints against police officers and police staff, but the most serious cases are referred to the IOPC. In certain situations, the IOPC also considers applications for review or appeal from those who are unhappy with the outcome of their police complaint or the way it has been handled by the police.

The IOPC themselves cannot order that compensation be paid. However, a successful police complaint does assist in the civil claims process. If you are looking to claim compensation for police misconduct, HNK’s civil actions against the police department can help you do so, after your complaint to the IOPC has been handled.

How to make a complaint to the IOPC/IPCC?

If possible, you should make your complaint to the IOPC within 12 months of the alleged misconduct. You should submit this claim in writing with all the relevant information including:

Your Contact Information

The name of the police force you wish to be subject to investigation

Information about why you feel the police have acted inappropriately or abused their powers and what they should’ve done differently Any witness details

Your Full Name

Any Witness Details

A List of any other questions you want them to answer

Details of the misconduct you are complaining about and an explanation of the outcome you are seeking (e.g. a specific officer to be disciplined)

Our actions against the police department can help you create this written complaint. When you have written up your complaint, send it to one of our expert solicitors and we will check the content and provide any assistance or advice before you send it to the IOPC.

HNK Client Settles for over £7,000 in False Imprisonment and Assault Case Against Leicestershire Police

What happens after a complaint is made to the IOPC/IPCC?

You should receive a response of acknowledgement from the IOPC once your complaint has been lodged. If they make the decision to refer it to the Professional Standards Department you should expect a response within 15 working days explaining whether the complaint will be investigated and how, as well as a reason for why the decision was made however this can take much longer in many cases.

Police complaints are internal disciplinary matters and if successful the complaint can result in advice being given to the police officer(s) concerned, additional training, formal warnings or even dismissal.

How HNK Solicitors can help with your IOPC/IPCC police complaint?

Most people come to us for help with claims against the police, however, in appropriate circumstances, they can also make complaints against the police. Making a compla int to the police is not the same as taking legal action against them and compensation is not payable in police complaints. Pursuing legal action is known as a civil claim and our team of expert solicitors can advise you on whether you have grounds for a civil claim as well as a complaint and can ensure your complaint is pursued appropriately.

Alternatively, when you receive your final written response from your complaint, contact HNK solicitors and we will review the response and assess the prospects of you making a successful civil claim and explain whether you are entitled to claim compensation.

Free Consultation

No-Win-No-Fee

Dependent on the details of your case we can offer a no-win-no-fee service, so it won’t cost you a penny to begin the process of making your civil liberties claim. You are then only expected to pay a percentage of the compensation you are awarded when your case is won.

Get The Outcome You Desire

Our expert lawyers will fight the police complaint on your behalf, to get the outcome you desire.

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Higgs Newton Kenyon Solicitors

4.4

Based on 224 reviews

review us on

S B

09:59 01 Dec 24

Mike Lynn

12:22 27 Nov 24

Shockingly bad. Dealt with the practice manager who was a brassy overly made-up piece of work. Unclear who is in charge as none seem older than out of school. Cheap set-up, running on unqualified cheap labour and owned by some hustlers who set up the firm because no proper law firm would employ them. No respect for their clients, and a very cheap scouse effort. Nothing good ever came out of liverpool apart from the Beatles, and this firm is testimony to that. Go elsewhere for much better.

P J

08:31 17 Nov 24

Back street moneygrabbing outfit that handles claims from well known Youtube troublemakers.

Alan

16:00 14 Nov 24

So far they have helped me with 2 claims against the police & I couldn't be more happy with the service they provided. They took me through step by step & kept me updated on how things were going. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND HNK Solicitors.

Andrew Johnson

13:15 08 Nov 24

The team are excellent and so helpful. If I ever need help again I will be calling this brilliant team again.

Martin Mcc

13:50 28 Oct 24

Great Service by D Higham. Communication and advocacy excellent.

Mayson Lee

15:26 22 Oct 24

I would give five stars but it took a tiny bit longer than expected And I have to keep their feet grounded. However, Alexandra exceeded my expectations in every possible way and went above and beyond settling my case. Very happy with the service I received would definitely use them again.

Sam Levett

05:58 02 Oct 24

Very professional team with amazing communication, thankyou so much 🙏

David Shepherd

07:12 26 Sep 24

You want your life ruined hnk are for you Absolutely appalling solicitors left me in 33grand debt should be 5 stars below hnk duped me into going to court against police by threatening me with thousands and thousands of solicitors fees if I tried to pull out of the trial 1 female solicitor in particular was very aggressive with threats.this was not a criminal trial it was a no win no fee complaint against police hnk obtained a massive five figure legal aid sum it was obtained because i was on sickness benifits at that time. Suffering from throat cancer i was told that it would cover legal aid costs for the court fees i was compleatley mislead. it all went to hnk. the trial went against me as hnk supplied me with a totally inept incompedent barrister he was weak and submitted easily .Now I'm suffering from depression and its left me with a massive 33k court fees how hnk are allowed to practice is beyond me. Hnk have absolutely ruined my life. my advice is find yourself a decent solicitor there are plenty out there .you don't want to end up in my position I have had to pay a claims company 16half grand which I have had toBorrow of my family the rest is on a payment plan worst mistake of my life was having anything to do with hnk beware you will be told a load of misleading information then you will be caught in there web with no escape except deb now iv had a charging order put on my house now I no why hnk asked me when this no win no fee ha ha started if I had any property i did not realize then it was to secure legal aid crafty. what a situation im in the victim me paying the perpetrators suming up nightmare solicitors the rich get richer the poor get poorer avoid at all costs hnk have left me crippled with debt hide your money hnk are after it hnk have 5 star reviews I will leave that to you imagination happy Xmas to all you at hnk enjoy your lovely high wages and Xmas bonus while they have left me in poverty

Headon Enterprises

14:25 16 Sep 24

I received a good service from Higgs Newton Kenyon Solicitors. Although it took a little longer than expected to get a result.

K D

11:21 14 Sep 24

They’ve done an excellent job for me, I can’t speak highly enough of them and I wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again.

Richard Jones

12:32 09 Sep 24

Excellent service throughout kept me informed and advised and got me the justice I feel I deserved would definitely use again and recommend to family and friends thanks again HNK

Paul Reid

16:51 15 Aug 24

Good firm. Good, clear comms through the process

Iain Sutherland

20:42 12 Aug 24

Excellent firm, they took my case when 5 other firms said no. very professional with great communication throughout.I would highly recommend them to anyone, they care and absolutely do their best for the best outcome possible.I cannot thank them enough for helping to bring me some closure from a horrible experience.If I could give them 6 stars I would.Thank you very much to all the people at this firm for helping and for all your hard work and also staying patient with me when I didn't understand the what when and why's.

Kitcatsnz

13:59 02 Aug 24

Anna Summerhayes

16:09 01 Aug 24

Michelle and Leigha have been absolutely wonderful. They kept me updated, advised and notified me during the whole process of my claim. Michelle fought for more compensation than was originally offered resulting in me being awarded a substantial amount. The justification for me was priceless as in essence it proved an admission of guilt from the Police Force in question. I would highly recommend this company and would definitely use thier expert services again if needed. Thank you for everything ❤️

Alec M

19:00 18 Jul 24

Brilliant staff, brilliant service will be using them again very professional and helpful and a successful claim against the police for misconduct can't thank them enough

Jay Duckworth

20:34 08 Jul 24

Michael from HNK Solicitors provided an excellent, straightforward, and professional service, with the outcome being very positive. Would recommend.

Gemini Love

12:44 02 Jul 24

I have had really good communication from start to finish. I would highly recommend them

O O

10:09 24 Jun 24

Don't' waste your time with this outfit!

Will Richards

20:51 13 Jun 24

I received clear information and updates on the case, though I was disappointed after being advised I could expect a higher level of compensation than I actually received.Nonetheless, I was happy with the friendly and helpful communication I enjoyed, and the work done on my behalf.

Foamy

15:16 12 Jun 24

Phoned them and spoke for 3 hours, they have a policy of taking one crime on its own, so if the crime happens over a few days then they take each day as a separate case!!!!..... so if the evidence for any of these days is linked, they will not count it as they deal with each day on its own!!!!.... useless firm that only wants to make money by making as many cases as they can.....reported to SRA for conduct and basic ignorance to the needs of the client.

James Shaw

14:06 03 Jun 24

Excellent service from HNK with a special mention to Lauren and Leigha. HNK managed to settle my claim to a satisfactory outcome. I was consulted along the way and was fully informed before making any decisions and before any action was taken. Definitely recommend

Ben Stokes

12:43 26 Apr 24

Fantastic service throughout. Professional and knowledgeable solicitors who hold corrupt and dishonest police officers to account. Settled my case within 3 months. Made an awful situation somewhat better. Highly recommended.

imrie Michie

16:10 25 Apr 24

They kept me informed all the way through the process it did take time but they got me a result I will use then again and again and a special thanks to Michelle McMahon

Terry Staples

14:22 25 Apr 24

Amazing and professional

Stephen Chipchase

14:59 23 Apr 24

100% recommended, I was kept in the loop from the start and the team answered any questions I had.We had a fast resolution and should I be unfortunate enough to need solicitors in the future I won't hesitate calling HNK

Drew Bell

11:45 04 Mar 24

Vivien was brilliant, I won my claim for damages received settling at 5k for a false arrest. She kept me in the loop and followed any instructions I gave her but at the same time she made sure I was informed enough to make certain decisions. Over all would highly recommend and definitely use these guys again if needed.

Col Gilbert

10:05 15 Feb 24

R Morley

10:52 23 Jan 24

Stuck with me all the way through the start and got exactly the result I wanted and even more, didn't think I could be compensated as much due to the circumstances, thanks a lot and would recommend anyone to these services, always professional, keep up the good work.

Georgi Kolev

11:41 13 Jan 24

Exceptional Advocacy by HNK SolicitorsI am thrilled to share my outstanding experience with HNK Solicitors, who played an instrumental role in bringing action against the police on my behalf. From the outset, their professionalism and dedication were evident. HNK's expertise and strategic approach ensured a positive outcome, instilling confidence in me throughout the process. Their clear communication and genuine concern for my well-being set them apart. I highly recommend HNK Solicitors to anyone seeking expert legal representation. Thank you, HNK, for your exceptional support in securing justice.

Simon Si

18:17 10 Jan 24

Very good service throughout, they constantly kept me in the loop and managed a very satisfactory result. I would gladly recommend their service,s to any experiencing the same sort of problems.Many thanksSimon

Loops Ent

07:29 22 Dec 23

Very good Solicitor firm, very deligent with their approach. Was an absolute pleasure to work with as they took on my claims against the police and saw to it that a compensation was reached. However this is just one out of many potential cases so am looking forward to working with you guys again.

Dina 21

16:35 11 Dec 23

I want to say that the experience I had with this solicitors has been very positive. As through no fault of theirs this case took alot of time.I was impressed with the end results.

Majik E

13:05 06 Dec 23

Michael Wharton kept me informed throughout my criminal injures claim and was always available for advice and reassurance. Just waiting for my claim to be paid out and that will be a satisfactory end to a traumatic event. Again a big thank you to HNK solicitors.

christian heath

12:02 29 Nov 23

Been really helpful and quick at getting it done and processed.

Matthew Higgins

23:31 16 Nov 23

I highly recommend HNK Solicitors for their outstanding work on my case against the police. Vivian was fantastic, providing constant support and making the process much more comfortable. Thanks to the excellent teamwork between her and Alex, we won the case. If you've been wronged by the police, HNK Solicitors are the ones to call.

Learner 2 Driver Academy

16:17 20 Oct 23

Being the first time having to fight a case against the police I was a bit apprehensive with what the outcome may of been but my solicitor demi was kind and professional and always made me feel at ease every time i spoke to her. I can't thank her enough for the work she put into fighting my case and having Alex as my barrister who I was extremely impress with how he handled my case was a true blessing. So grateful for them both and I have and would forever recommend anyone to work with the firm. Thanks again 😊

Milly Ferguson

10:15 19 Oct 23

I would highly recommend!! Got my claim sorted out within months

Cw Cw

20:21 06 Oct 23

Lindsey Francis

14:33 29 Sep 23

Amazing service. prompt, successful and professional throughout. Would highly recommend.

unome

17:07 25 Sep 23

I thank all involved in processing my claim successfuly. Everyone was professional,helpful and polite.

14:05 16 Sep 23

I took legal action against the police who had falsified evidence against me. I have no criminal record or history of wrong doing. Unlawful arrest, Imprisonment and use of force. With help from this legal firm I was awarded £££££££ in damages. Very Professional and they assured, and informed me throughout the full process.

_ MediaNPTGwent

12:25 08 Sep 23

Have sought the help of Higgs Newton Kenyon Solicitors on a number of cases now, and they've been nothing but attentive and helpful at getting me the best outcome. Would highly recommend

Rob Marchant

18:39 29 Aug 23

Very satisfied with service provided to me! Would highly recommend this company to all ! Robert w Marchant.

Scott LP

15:09 26 Aug 23

They are lawyers, so $$$ is their only agenda and, thus, when we refused the offer of compensation in favour of a public apology, they ended up defending the perpetrators out of spite. Unethical is an understatement.

Courtney Lviz

10:32 22 Aug 23

I am extremely satisfied with the exceptional service provided by Higgs Newton Kenyon solicitors. Their dedicated work and professionalism in handling my case led to a successful settlement that brought great relief. The team's commitment to excellence is truly impressive, and I appreciate their efforts. I highly recommend their services and am grateful for their support. Thank you, HNK solicitors!- Courtney LV

15:35 14 Aug 23

Excellent professionalism and outcome by Michelle McMahon, thank you.

FullStop Bandit

16:24 05 Aug 23

Steer clear of Vivien Lee unless you are motivated purely and exclusively by undiluted greed and amorality.

Anthony Smith

01:43 26 Jul 23

I must have drawn the short straw if all these positive reviews are authentic.My own case was handled mainly by para legals. Who displayed very little skill, or real knowledge of the law, and definitely lacked any kind of commitment. I received only one phone call in the three years it took them to 'resolve ' my case.The treatment I received from this firm was barely adequate. If you are thinking of using HNK my advice is find someone else. Unless you don't mind wasting three years of your life for very little in the way of compensation.

David Swift (Loquacious)

23:04 18 Jul 23

Very promising. Will update once completed.

Ankur deswal

17:34 17 Jul 23

Such a wonderful experience with them.Excellent services got such a friendly people thanks HNK .. 🙏🙏

Turner carl

22:34 09 Jul 23

I've learned a lot from life. Even if you are decent, humble, and honest to guys, it doesn't guarantee that they will treat you similarly. I've been married to my spouse for about six years and didn't know he was cheating. I chose to confide in a friend after noticing some changes in his behavior, and they connected me with a hacker by the name of DAVID WILFRED. By remotely hacking and gaining access to his phone call log, Facebook, Messenger messages, phone texts, WhatsApp, Skype, database, and other items, this guy did an amazing and excellent work for me. You can get in touch with this active hacker at (digitaltechhacker @ gmail com).

Kelsea Naismith

21:21 03 Jul 23

My solicitors name was Micheal Wharton, he done an amazing job in helping me with my case. He treated me with empathy, respect, and compassion. He is very understanding and kept me up to date with any updates/changes every step of the way. His communication skills are amazing, and he made me feel at ease when talking about my case and reassured me when I was worried.I would highly recommend Micheal Wharton as your solicitor he is very good at what he does and is very professional at all times whilst providing excellent support and advice.I can't thank Micheal enough for everything he has done for me.

Ellen Brown

08:39 31 May 23

Positive service. Treated me with kindness and respect. Didn't make me uncomfortable whilst doing their enquiries.Kept me in the loop at all times and helped me come to a decision that best suited me.Thank you to Michael Wharton for making the effort to help me 🙂

Al Tommo

20:09 19 May 23

Very good service, couldn’t be happier with how they handled my claim and we also got justice and compensated rightly! 5 stars 10/10 does what it says on the tin thank you to the team at Hicks Newton Kenyon

brian morhan

17:01 26 Apr 23

Absolutely brilliant. They kept me in the loop throughout the process. I am very happy with the result. Very professional team. I would 100 percent recommend them. Thank you Michael.

amber-marie shoemark

16:30 24 Feb 23

Highly recommend using higgs Newton Kenyon solicitors I most definitely got my justice I deserved could not of done it with out Michael support I got the support and help the very first day Michael got in contact with me and all the support carried on all the way to the last day

M Edgerton

13:29 30 Jan 23

I contacted Higgs Newton Kenyon over a distressing experience with the police and feeling very vulnerable. Lynne Hughes helped me with my case and was really understanding and empathetic. It meant a lot to have someone speak for me and the outcome of the case was better than I expected. Thanks to their service I have been able to put this experience behind me and move on.Would recommend.