Review of police complaints

Under the rules that govern the police complaints process, a complainant can ask for a review.

They can do so if they don’t think the outcome of their complaint is reasonable and proportionate.

Reviews are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation and statutory guidance from the IOPC.

It’s important that the public easily understands the review process as well as what the OPCC can and cannot do when carrying out a review.

Timeliness

There is no time limit for reviews to be carried out under IOPC statutory guidance.

However, the OPCC will acknowledge a review application within five working days. We also aim to complete a review within 28 working days.

On conclusion of a review, the OPCC provides a final decision and review report to the applicant. In addition, the OPCC also shares a copy of its findings with Cleveland Police.

Review data for Cleveland OPCC 2021-22

Quarter 1

Twenty of the 21 completed reviews were acknowledged within five working days
The average length of a review case from acknowledgement to completion was 18 working days.

Quarter 2

Fifteen of the 15 completed reviews were acknowledged within five working days
The average length of a review case from acknowledgement to completion was 20 working days.

Quarter 3

Twenty two of the 22 completed reviews were acknowledged within five working days
The average length of a review case from acknowledgement to completion is 19 working days.

Quarter 4

Twenty one of the 25 completed reviews were acknowledged within five working days
The average length of a review case from acknowledgement to completion is 20 working days.

Review data for Cleveland OPCC 2022-23

Quarter 1

Eleven of the 11 completed reviews were acknowledged within five working days
The average length of a review case from acknowledgement to completion is 10.5 working days.

Quarter 2

Seventeen of the 18 completed reviews were acknowledged within five working days.

The average length of a review case from acknowledgement to completion is 10 working days.

Quarter 3

Nine of the 23 completed reviews were acknowledged within five working days.

The average length of a review case from acknowledgement to completion is 22 working days.

Quarter 4

Seventeen of the 21 completed reviews were acknowledged within five working days.

The average length of a review case from acknowledgement to completion is 19 working days.

Reviews – ensuring quality, integrity and impartiality

Delegation, impartiality, transparency and process assurance

The OPCC Standards and Scrutiny Managers manages the review process. She acts with authority delegated by the PCC. She has the authority to assess and sign off final review decisions.

An Independent Review Officer (IRO) carries out reviews. This is to make sure that the PCC shows complete impartiality.

The IRO scrutinises the handling of the complaint. This is to ensure that the outcome is reasonable and proportionate.

In the event of a review being upheld, the IRO can also make recommendations for further action. This is in order that the complaint is investigated appropriately.

The OPCC has exercised due diligence to make sure that the IRO is suitably trained in police professional standards.

In making their determination, the IRO scrutinises what Cleveland Police has done. He/she does the following:

• Scrutinises actions taken by the police to address the complaint;
• Looks at whether or not relevant legislation and guidance was considered;
• Assesses whether the team fully understood the complaint;
• Scrutinises whether the information or evidence obtained (during handling) was fairly and appropriately weighed;
• Looks at any potential for learning from the case.

Having considered all of the information available, the independent reviewer produces a review report.

The report details their findings and determination in addition to the complainant’s own representations.

The OPCC publishes review outcomes every year. We publish information on our website, which gives an overview of the cases, with which we have dealt.

Information includes the following:

• The original complaint allegations;
• The outcome of complaint handling;
• The length and outcome of the review ;
• Details of any recommendations made to Cleveland Police.

Request a review

If you wish to request a review, you can do so by:

Email:  [email protected]

Letter:
Independent Reviewer
Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
St Mark’s House
St Mark’s Court
Thornaby
Stockton-on-Tees
TS17 6QW

You must make an application for review in writing. To assist in processing your review, please include the following details:

• The reference number of the complaint; 
• The date on which the complaint was made;
• The name of the force to whom the complaint was made;
• The date, on which you were provided with details of your right to a review.