HOW TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE POLICE OMBUDSMAN'S OFFICE

If you are not satisfied with any aspect of the Police Ombudsman's services or actions, you have a right to complain. You can make a complaint verbally (by telephone or by calling at our office) or in writing (by letter, fax or email).

Your complaint will be registered and acknowledged within three days and a response given to you within 20 working days.

If your complaint is against a specific member of staff it will be investigated by a supervisor or manager, who will then report to the appropriate director.

If your complaint is about a general service, policy or procedure of the Police Ombudsman, this will be investigated by the director appropriate to your complaint. The Chief Executive will attempt to respond to your complaint on behalf of the Police Ombudsman within 20 working days.

If there are any delays in the investigation of your complaint, you will be informed of this with a further date for a response.

The Police Ombudsman is accountable to Parliament through the Secretary of State and should you continue to be dissatisfied with the services or actions of the office you have the right to complain directly to the Secretary of State. The address is:

The Secretary of State
The Northern Ireland Office
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3SG

Criticisms and comments

If you have had dealings with the Police Ombudsman and have criticisms, comments or suggestions that you believe would help us to improve our service, you are encouraged to contact us. Your comments will be acknowledged and shared with the appropriate staff and will help us to improve and develop our services.

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