Making a complaint and applying for a review
For complaints handled by the PCC:
- Your complaint will be recorded within 10 working days and given a reference number.
- We will write to confirm it has been recorded and explain how we plan to deal with or investigate it.
- If it takes longer than 28 days to resolve, we will update you at least monthly.
- When the outcome is provided, we will let you know if an appeals process applies.
The PCC for Suffolk is committed to dealing with all contact, correspondence, and complaints fairly, effectively, and promptly. However, in cases of persistent or abusive communication, contact may be limited or, in extreme cases, stopped—while protecting statutory rights.
For more details, see our Persistent Abusive or Unreasonable Contact Policy.
Complaints about the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)
Complaints about PCCs and their deputies are handled by the Police and Crime Panel (PCP).
The PCP:
- Records complaints and conduct matters.
- Refers any complaints involving possible criminal behaviour to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
- Deals with and informally resolves complaints that do not involve criminality.
The PCP agreed that:
- The Chief Executive of the PCC’s Office will receive, record, and handle complaints initially.
- The Monitoring Officer at Suffolk County Council will manage informal resolution and make relevant complaint information public.
For more detailed information please take a look at the links below:Elected Local Policing Bodies (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2012
If you have a complaint about the Suffolk PCC please make your complaint in writing to the Chief Executive at the following address:
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Police Headquarters
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
IP5 3QS
Or e-mail to: spcc@suffolk.police.uk
Or telephone: 01473 78277
If you are dissatisfied with the way your complaint about the Suffolk PCC has been handled please refer the matter to the Monitoring Officer of Suffolk County Council, or the Chair of the Police and Crime Panel at the following address:
Suffolk County Council
Endeavour House
8 Russell Road
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP1 2BX
Alternatively, you can contact SCC’s Monitoring Officer by email on: monitoring.officer@suffolk.gov.uk.
Complaints about the Chief Constable
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) handles complaints about the Chief Constable.
When doing so, the PCC follows official guidance from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the Police (Complaints and Conduct) Regulations 2020.
How to make a complaint:
The Chief Executive
Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Police Headquarters
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
IP5 3QS
Email: spcc@suffolk.police.uk
Phone: 01473 782773
You can also complain directly to the IOPC:
www.policeconduct.gov.uk or call 0300 020 0096.
In some cases, the PCC must refer complaints to the IOPC.
Complaints about Police and Crime Commissioner's support staff
If your complaint is about an individual member of the Police and Crime Commissioner support staff (other than the Chief Executive), please write to or email the Chief Executive at:
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Police Headquarters
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
IP5 3QS
Email: spcc@suffolk.police.uk
Telephone: 01473 782773
If your complaint is against the Chief Executive, please write to or email the Police & Crime Commissioner at:
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Police Headquarters
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
IP5 3QS
Email: spcc@suffolk.police.uk
Telephone: 01473 782773
Complaints about Independent Custody Visitors
If you wish to complain about the conduct of an Independent Custody Visitor, please
contact the Chief Executive either in writing or by email:
Chief Executive
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Police Headquarters
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
IP5 3QS
Email: spcc@suffolk.police.uk
Telephone: 01473 782773
Complaints about Members of the Audit Committee
If you wish to complain about the conduct of a member of the Audit Committee
please contact the Chief Executive either in writing, by email or by telephone:
Chief Executive
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Police Headquarters
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
IP5 3QS
Email: spcc@suffolk.police.uk
Telephone: 01473 782773
Complaints about Police Officers and Police Staff
If you want to complain about a police officer (other than the Chief Constable) or a member of Suffolk Constabulary staff:
Visit the Suffolk Constabulary website for full details.
If you prefer to write, include a full account of the incident and send it to:
Professional Standards Department
Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies
Jubilee House, Falconers Chase
Wymondham, NR18 0WW
Email: psd@norfolk.police.uk
Phone: Call Suffolk Constabulary on 101
You can also complain to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC):
www.policeconduct.gov.uk
Phone: 0300 020 0096
Address: PO Box 473, Sale, M33 0BW
Email: enquiries@policeconduct.gov.uk
The IOPC is independent and ensures complaints against the police are handled properly. In some cases, you can appeal to the IOPC if you’re unhappy with how your complaint was dealt with.
Please note: The PCC does not handle complaints about Suffolk Constabulary officers or staff (except the Chief Constable). However, the PCC monitors complaint trends and lessons learned by the force.
Local Government Ombudsman
Police and Crime Commissioners and their office come under the jurisdiction of the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO).
The LGO may have a role in considering a complaint from a member of the public where there is an allegation of maladministration and once the local complaints process has been exhausted.
For further information you can visit the LGO website.
Requesting a review of a complaint
Our “Review of Complaints Dealt with by Suffolk Constabulary” page explains your right to request a review if your complaint was recorded under Schedule 3 of the Police Reform Act 2002.
The review looks at whether the way your complaint was investigated or handled was reasonable and proportionate.
Code of Ethics
Published by the College of Policing, the Code of Ethics sets out the principles and standards of behaviour that will promote, reinforce and support the highest standards from everyone who works in policing in England and Wales.
The Code also provides general guidance on how behaviour that does not uphold policing principles or meet expected standards will be handled. All OPCC staff, Suffolk Constabulary police officers and staff are expected to uphold these standards.
Requesting an Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Review
If you have already reported ongoing Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) to either the Police, your District/Borough Council or your housing provider and you feel that no action has been taken to resolve it, you can request an Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Case Review (formerly known as the Community Triger) and request a review of your case.
Visit our Anti-Social Behaviour Review page for more information.