Any person may make a complaint about the conduct of a member of the police force to the Police Complaints Authority or to any member of the police force (except the one complained about).

The complaint may be made by a person on his or her own behalf or by some other person (such as a family member or a friend) on that person's behalf. Anyone charged with a criminal offence should speak to his or her lawyer promptly.

The law concerning complaints is found in the Police (Complaints and Disciplinary Proceedings) Act 1985 and all references are to this Act unless otherwise stated.