How can I complain

If you are stopped and/or searched you have the right to be treated fairly and with dignity.

If you do not understand what is happening you can ask questions or ask for explanations. If English is not your first language or you have a disability then the police officer must take reasonable steps to ensure that you understand your rights.
If you are unhappy with how you were treated you can complain. If you feel that you were treated differently because of your age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or faith you can complain of unlawful discrimination.

You can get advice from, or complain to

• Your Police Force
• Your Police Authority
• The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)
• Your local police station, Citizens Advice Bureau, or race equality council
• The Commission for Racial Equality
• An MP or solicitor

It will help if you keep your stop form.
Please be aware that formal complaints against officers up to the rank of Chief Superintendent have to be dealt with in the first instance by the police service concerned.

Cheshire Constabulary
To get advice from or make a complaint directly to Cheshire Constabulary
Write to: Professional Standards Department, Cheshire Constabulary Headquarters,Clemonds Hey, Oakmere Road, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 2UA
Telephone: 0845 458 0000
Alternatively you can go to your local police station and ask for your complaint to be recorded.

Cheshire Police Authority

To contact Cheshire Police Authority
Write to: Cheshire Police Authority, Cheshire Constabulary Headquarters, Clemonds Hey, Oakmere Road, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 2UA

Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)

Contact the IPCC to find out more about how to make a complaint and the procedures that you need to follow.
Write to: 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6BH
Telephone: 08453 002 002
Email: enquiries@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk
Visit the IPCC website to find out more or to follow the complaints process online

Equality & Human Rights Commission

The Equality & Human Rights Commission can provide legal advice and assistance to people who think they have been discriminated against. To contact the Commission, write to: St Dunstan's House, 201-211 Borough High Street, LONDON, SE1 1GZ
Telephone: 0845 604 6610
Visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission website

Citizens Advice Bureau

Visit the Citizens Advice Bureau website

Cheshire Halton and Warrington Racial Equality Council
Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Racial Equality Council can give you advice if you think that you may have been discriminated against because of your racial origin. To contact Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Racial Equality Council
Write to: 2 Hunters Walk Canal Street, Chester, Cheshire
Telephone: 01244 400 730
Visit the Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Racial Equality Council website