Our independence and governance

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Most police officers and staff do a difficult job with the utmost integrity and make difficult decisions in very trying circumstances. However, when things go wrong, or the police abuse their position through misconduct or corruption, the public expects scrutiny and accountability which can only come from independent oversight.

We are not part of the police or the Government and make all of our decisions independently. Our independence is important to make sure the police complaints system delivers fair outcomes which hold the police to account when unfortunately things do go wrong.

We do this by: 

• raising confidence in the complaints system so the public want to use it
• ensuring our work responds to issues which affect public confidence
• using evidence from our work to influence positive changes to policing

The Brixton Riots and the murder of Stephen Lawrence are two events that play a significant part in our history. Each highlighted the urgent need for an independent body to oversee police complaints; Lord Scarman’s inquiry into the Brixton Riots and the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry - led by the late Sir William Macpherson.