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Police Complaint and IOPC Referral Letter

A completed complaint about stop-and-search conduct preserving evidence, force handling and the Independent Office for Police Conduct route.

Jurisdiction: England and Wales - completed fictional worked example

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Important: This sample provides general legal information only and is not legal advice. Check the law, prescribed forms and signing requirements that apply to your exact jurisdiction and circumstances before use.

# POLICE COMPLAINT AND IOPC REFERRAL LETTER

Date: 22 April 2030

Parties: Owen Hughes and Westshire Police

## 1. Purpose and parties

To Westshire Police Professional Standards Department: I am Owen Hughes of 7 Canal View, Worcester WR2 4LA. I complain about a stop and search on Worcester High Street at about 7:20 pm on 4 April 2030, incident reference WS-2044, involving two officers whose collar numbers were 731 and 814.

## 2. Facts, scope and terms

The officers stopped me, did not explain reasonable grounds before searching my coat under section 1 PACE, and did not give the required name, station and object in a way I could understand. I was handcuffed for approximately 14 minutes, released without arrest or charge, and did not receive a search record before leaving.

## 3. Process and responsibilities

During the search one officer used a racialised insult. The second officer did not intervene. My wrist was bruised and I attended Worcester Royal Hospital; a witness, Amira Khan, saw the incident from the bus stop. I do not assert facts I cannot prove, but ask that the allegation is recorded as potential misconduct and discriminatory conduct.

## 4. Evidence, records and safeguards

Please preserve body-worn video, radio transmissions, custody and search records, nearby CCTV and duty rosters. I enclose photographs, the hospital note, witness contact consent and a contemporaneous timeline. Please tell me how my personal data will be handled and provide reasonable communication adjustments if needed.

## 5. Review, escalation and outcome

Please acknowledge the complaint, identify the investigating route and provide an impartial update. If Westshire Police determines the matter is suitable for local resolution, I ask for an explanation and opportunity to comment. I seek an apology if wrongdoing is established, a lawful search-practice review and information about any disciplinary outcome; I do not demand a predetermined sanction.

## 6. Reservations and practical protections

I understand complaints may be handled by the force or referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and that serious incidents may require IOPC consideration. This complaint does not replace a civil claim or criminal report, waive limitation or allege that every officer action was unlawful.

## 7. England and Wales law and completion

The complaint may be sent by post to Professional Standards, Westshire Police, or email to owen.hughes@example.co.uk as separate methods. England and Wales law, PACE and the police complaints framework apply. Yours faithfully, Owen Hughes, 22 April 2030.

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