If you have a complaint to make about a police force, you probably wouldn't make it to the police force and expect it to be dealt with in a completely impartial manner. Asking a member of the police force to investigate and possibly charge one of their colleagues could be a very big ask indeed. To ensure that all complaints made against the police are dealt with in a fair and professional manner, the Independent Police Complaints Commission was established.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission, or IPCC for short, was established in 2004. It was set up as part of the Police Reform Act. Its purpose is to make the public feel more aware and confident in the professionalism of the police force. The IPCC deals with the most serious complaints made about the police and also handles and complains regarding the manner in which a police force has dealt with a complaint. The IPCC was a replacement for the Police Complaints Authority.

Since the Independent Police Complaints Commission is totally independent, there is no bias towards either the police force, government or the individual or entity making the complaint. The IPCC is not there to deal with every complaint that is put to the police force; most complaints are resolved with no need for further action. It can, however, choose to intervene and manage the way in which any complaint is dealt with.

As well as the police force, the IPCC deals with complaints regarding HM revenue and customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA.) In 2006 it took control over complains made about the UK Border Agency.

As of August 2007, the IPCC has performed 171 independent investigations and 533 managed investigations. It has additionally set the standards for police forces across England and Wales regarding how complaints made to them are to be dealt with. The independent police complaints commission makes the whole process of making a complaint about the police force more effective and fair.

The IPCC aims to get closer to the communities and has four offices. These are in London, Cardiff, Sale and Coalville. In most cases, the IPCC passes on any complaint to the professional standards division of whichever force the complaint was regarding. All commissioners have the same level of power as a police officer serving in England and Wales. Despite these powers, no arrest was made by a commissioner until 2007, when a police officer was arrested following an allegation of sexual assault.

There are 18 commissioners, all of which are appointed by the home office on a five year basis. In order to promote fairness, these commissioners are not appointed if they have previously worked for any body which may wish to have an influence upon its investigations.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is, as the name suggests, entirely independent from the police. In this way, it can ensure that all complaints and investigations are conducted fairly and in a way which returns the best result. The IPCC has thus far been very effective and will hopefully continue to increase our confidence in the police in the future.

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