The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has decided that the OPCC will become responsible for receiving, recording and resolving expressions of dissatisfaction.
These expressions are known as complaints from the public of Cleveland.
This means the PCC will take on the fullest responsibility for police complaints under the Policing and Crime 2017 Act.
Police complaints, which potentially involve misconduct, and serious and sensitive complaints, will continue to be dealt with by Cleveland Police’s Directorate of Standards and Ethics (DSE) or the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC.)
Changes in the law also require PCCs to undertake the complaints appeal function. This was previously operated by the Chief Constable. These appeals are known as reviews.
The PCC aims to provide a more customer-focussed approach to dealing with complaints. The new system will give an independent assessment of public feedback as well as greater capacity for learning and improvement from feedback.
The new resolution team starts work in early 2022, following recruitment and training.