Reviewing complaints
Your Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) works with the Chief Constable to make sure communities in Gloucestershire receive a policing service that is professional, effective and efficient.
If we get things wrong we would like you to tell us, so that we have an opportunity to apologise and put things right. Equally, we are always appreciate any complimentary comments when communities feel something has been done well.
The Policing & Crime Act 2017 has made significant changes to the Police Complaints system. As of 1st February 2020, the PCC assumes a statutory duty to review the outcome of complaints which previously were heard by the Chief Constable, to determine whether the outcome provided was reasonable and proportionate.
Your PCC is responsible for monitoring how the Constabulary handles complaints against its officers and staff. The PCC is not involved in the handling or the investigation of such complaints.
Complaints against Gloucestershire Constabulary should be sent to the Professional Standards Department who will respond to you.
If you've made a complaint to Gloucestershire Constabulary and you are not happy with the final outcome or with how it was handled, you may be able to ask us to complete an independent review. This review will be assess by our Independent Review Officer who is indepentent of Gloucestershire Constabulary.
Your PCC has a statutory duty to consider complaints against the Chief Constable. If you wish to make a formal complaint against the Chief Constable, please contact The PCC in writing. Please note that the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner cannot investigate anonymous complaints and will not enter into correspondence with individuals who have used foul or abusive language.
Any complaint about the conduct of your PCC, his Deputy, staff, policies and procedures or any volunteer working on his behalf, should be put in writing to the Chief Executive, Ruth Greenwood. Ruth has been given delegated authority by the Police and Crime Panel to carry out the initial handling of complaints. She will pass complaints on to the Panel if deemed appropriate.
If the complaint relates to the conduct of the Chief Executive this should be put in writing to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Whistleblowing is the reporting (through confidential channels) of any behaviour which is suspected to be illegal, improper or unethical. Statutory provisions relating to the disclosure of information by employees (known as whistleblowing) to expose malpractice, criminal offences, etc. within an organisation apply to police officers, police staff and the staff of Gloucestershire’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
It is the responsibility of all staff of Gloucestershire’s OPCC to report any behaviour which they suspect may be corrupt, dishonest or unethical and all staff are encouraged to do so.
Individuals are protected from action by their employer (e.g. victimisation or dismissal) in respect of disclosures falling within categories set out in section 43B of the Employment Rights Act 1996. They can be reassured of total confidentiality or anonymity if they do not wish to provide their details, however if a response is required, then contact details should be included.
These statutory provisions are reflected in the policies and guidance that apply to staff of the Constabulary and the Police and Crime Commissioner and which set out the mechanisms available for confidential reporting and actions to be taken. This information can be accessed by Constabulary and Gloucestershire’s OPCC staff on the intranet, or advice can be sought from the Professional Standards Department.