Make a complaint against the Commissioner or their staff

Complaints about the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)

Complaints about the PCC are referred to Cleveland Police and Crime Panel

The OPCC will co-operates fully with the panel in the handling of complaints, in accordance with the Panel’s policies and procedures.

Cleveland Police and Crime Panel and the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) keep details of all complaints made against the PCC.

Members of the public can discuss any concerns about the ethics and standards of the PCC or the OPCC with the Chief Executive.

The policy of the Local Elected Policing Body (the panel) can be viewed at the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011.

What happens when I complain about the Commissioner’s staff?

There is a four-step process to resolve any complaints or issues raised.

Step 1

In the first instance, we will try to handle any complaint informally and resolve the issue quickly.

You can raise your concerns with the person, who originally dealt with your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can give us details of your complaint in the following ways:

Email: resolution@cleveland-pcc.gov.uk

Tel: 01642 301860 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.)

Write: Resolution Team, St Mark’s House, St Mark’s Court, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees. TS17 6QW.

Step 2

If you do not feel comfortable making contact with the person, who dealt with your enquiry, you can write to the Chief Executive at Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, c/o St Marks House, St Marks Court, Thornaby, Stockton-On-Tees, TS17 6QW.

The Chief Executive is responsible for the OPCC’s administrative and financial arrangements.

If your complaint is about the Chief Executive, you should address your complaint to the PCC at the same address.

A senior member of staff, normally the Chief Finance Officer/Deputy Chief Executive, will review your complaint.

Please include the following when telling us about your complaint:

• The nature of the complaint
• The name of anyone involved
• The circumstances of the complaint in as much detail as possible
• Why you are not satisfied with the service provided.

We will send a response within 14 days. This may be a full response or an acknowledgment to let you know about the next steps of your complaint. 

If you find it difficult to put the complaint in writing, arrangements can be made for you to make the complaint in person, or for someone representing you to do so on your behalf.

If you require any adjustments to support you through the complaints’ process, please let us know!

Step 3

If you are dissatisfied with the final response, you can ask for the PCC to consider your complaint. His decision will be final. 

When you receive acknowledgment of your request for consideration of a complaint, you will be advised of the procedure and timescale for this stage.

Step 4

In the case of serious complaints, the PCC may refer the matter to the Joint Cleveland Audit Committee to give guidance and/or recommendations. 

The Committee will not make its findings public. You cannot attend or address the Committee – unless asked to do so by the chairperson.  

Recommendations/guidance from the Committee is for guidance only. Their recommendations/guidance are not binding for the PCC.

If you want your complaint to be referred to the Committee, you should write to the PCC within 14 days of being told about the Stage 3 decision. In your letter, you should say why you think your complaint is of enough importance to warrant consideration by the Committee.