Please follow these steps to make a formal police complaint. Firstly you should make a direct complaint to the police force involved so you will need to know which police force you are contacting:

1. Contact the police force involved (we have every UK police force listed here)
2. Using contact details send them a letter of written complaint explaining what happened
3. Alternatively you can attend the police station in person to make your complaint
4. Or contact a solicitor or member of Parliament who can make a complaint on your behalf

You can contact a local organisation like citizens advice if you need help making the complaint, they will be able to offer you some legal advise. If you need legal advise before making the complaint then you can visit http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Next make a complaint via the IPCC

Now you should contact the Independent Police Complaints Commission, they will investigate your complaint properly:

1. Use the IPCC online form
2. Contact them by phone, email or send a letter by post
3. Request a form by post

Once you send your complaint to the IPCC it can take 4-5 weeks before it’s processed.