A complaint about the Chief Constable?

Only the Police and Crime Commissioner can deal with complaints about the Chief Constable.  To ensure we understand your concerns, please let us know –

  • What are the specific actions of the Chief Constable that you’re unhappy with?
  • When did this happen?
  • How have you been affected?
  • What outcome would you like to see?

A complaint against the Chief Constable can’t be used as a mechanism to escalate an existing complaint about the Force, or to have a previously concluded complaint about the Force reviewed.

Please send your complaint to –

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Victory House,
Balliol Business Park
Benton Lane
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE12 8EW

Or email: enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

We’ll then take steps to consider your concerns and where appropriate, investigate your concerns. When that’s concluded, you’ll be informed of the outcome, along with a clear rationale as to how and why that decision’s been reached. If appropriate, you’ll also be advised of your right of review to the IOPC if you disagree with the outcome.

Complaints about the service from Northumbria Police?

As determined by Parliamentary Legislation, such complaints must be referred to the Professional Standards Department.  Further information on why we have to do this can be found here – Frequently Asked Questions – Complaints

To contact the complaints team at Northumbria Police, please email  the Complaint Services Mailbox complaint.services@northumbria.police.uk

When a complaint to Northumbria Police is concluded you may be given the option to request a review if you are not happy with the response.  The letter will advise you who the relevant review body is – it will either be the OPCC and IOPC, this will be clarified in the outcome letter. Further information on reviews can be found here Frequently Asked Questions – Reviews

An online review application form is available here. You will be asked to complete your personal details, the relevant complaint reference number and why you disagree with the way your complaint has been handled.  In the spirit of openness and transparency, we publish all review decisions, these can be found here https://northumbria-pcc.gov.uk/contact-feedback/outcome-reviews/

Complaints about the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)?

Before submitting your complaint it may be helpful to view the PCC Code of Conduct

It’s important to recognise that legislation doesn’t permit the PCC to become involved in complaints for which the Chief Constable is the Appropriate Authority, this means that all complaints about police officers (other than Chief Constable) and police investigations fall under the remit of the Chief Constable.

Please send your complaint to –

Chief of Staff

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Victory House,
Balliol Business Park
Benton Lane
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE12 8EW

Or email: enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

The Chief of Staff will then write to you about your complaint and how it will be progressed.

Complaints about OPCC staff?

The Chief of Staff is keen to ensure any concerns about OPCC staff are addressed quickly and efficiently.  We want to fully understand the nature of your complaint in order that we can resolve it for you, learn from mistakes and improve our practices. Please provide us with the following information:

  • What were the circumstances?
  • Who was involved?
  • When did this occur?
  • How have you been affected?
  • What outcome would you like to see?

We’ll take steps to resolve your complaint and at the conclusion, inform you of the outcome, along with an explanation of how and why that decision’s been reached.

Please send your complaint to –

Chief of Staff

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Victory House,
Balliol Business Park
Benton Lane
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE12 8EW

Or email: enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

The Chief of Staff will then write to you about your complaint and how it will be progressed.

Useful information

Getting it right

Northumbria Police officers, police staff and OPCC staff work hard to serve the communities of Northumbria, officers and staff often go above and beyond what is expected of them.  If you want to compliment the team or staff member who has assisted you, please email enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk