How to make a complaint
If you feel dissatisfied with the conduct or behaviour of a police officer, member of police staff, or special constable then you can make a complaint. You can also complain about police policies, strategies or general standards.
COVID -19
Due to the impact of COVID-19, there will be a delay in the Professional Standards Department contacting you to discuss your complaint.
We are unable to service through letters at this time, and therefore urge everyone to add an email address where possible. This will be continually reviewed.
Ways to make a complaint
You can register your complaint by using any of the methods below. However to avoid duplication, please submit your complaint using only one of the methods.
Online
To make a complaint online, fill in the make a complaint form.
In person
To make a complaint in person, visit a police station.
Email your:
- address
- date of birth
- telephone number
to the Professional Standards Department. Without these details, it will not be possible to progress enquiries into the issues raised.
Letter
Write a letter and post it to:
Professional Standards Department
Avon and Somerset Constabulary
PO Box 37
Valley Road
Portishead, BS20 8QJ
Phone
To make a complaint by phone, call 101.
Through other agencies
Alongside direct contact with Avon and Somerset Constabulary, you can use the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) online complaint form, which will be forwarded automatically to Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department.
You can also make a complaint by contacting your solicitor, your local MP, the Citizens Advice Bureau or support agency such as Support Against Racist Incidents (SARI).
To access complaints information in alternative formats, visit the IOPC website.
Deaf, hard of hearing
The video below has been produced by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and explains in BSL how you can make a complaint.