Life in the UK Test
Sign in
Back to The UK Government, the Law and Your Role

Complaining about the police

Study note

The police have a lot of power, so there are clear ways to challenge them if they get things wrong. If someone believes that the police have acted wrongly or unfairly, they have the right to make a complaint. They can do this at a police station or in writing to the Chief Constable, who is in charge of the local force.

Complaints can also be taken to an independent body that looks into the conduct of the police, so that the police are not simply judging themselves. This matters because police officers must obey the law just like everyone else, and they can be punished if they misuse their authority. For the test, remember that you can complain about the police to the Chief Constable or to an independent body, and that officers are not above the law.

Memory tip: You can complain about the police to the Chief Constable or an independent body.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 1 · true or false

If you think the police have behaved wrongly, you can make a complaint to an independent body.

Score so far: 0 / 0
Show all questions and answers for Complaining about the police(1 question with explanations)

Complaining about the police: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. If you think the police have behaved wrongly, you can make a complaint to an independent body.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Complaints about the police can be made to the Chief Constable or an independent body.

Back to The UK Government, the Law and Your Role, or try a mock test or timed exam.