The Service Police Complaints Commissioner (SPCC) has launched a new website – giving everyone in the Defence community a central place to find information about Service Police complaints and how to get help if things go wrong.
Acting SPCC, Jonathan Rees KC said:
“Service Police are committed to serving our Armed Forces community with integrity, fairness and accountability – and the SPCC provides independent oversight of complaints and conduct matters that relates to their work.
"Our new website makes it easier for people to understand who we are, how to access our services, and how we work independently. We are here to support those who are unhappy with how they were treated, to investigate where conduct and behaviour may have fallen short of the high standards that should be upheld, and to recognise where Service Police are working effectively – so that good practice and learning can be shared to support improvements.
"If you have had a poor experience with the Service Police, the website provides a clear route for raising your concerns and we are committed to providing fair, independent and timely decisions."
Independent watchdog for Service policing
The SPCC is an independent body, operating entirely separately from the Service Police, Defence and Government. It performs a similar function to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – the organisation responsible for overseeing complaints about civilian police in England and Wales – but with responsibility for the Service Police.
It is important to know and understand that the SPCC has a specific role. Unlike the Armed Forces Commissioner, the SPCC only deals with complaints about Service policing.
A resource for all
The website is for everyone in the Defence community – Regular and Reserve personnel, Service family members, civil servants, and anyone subject to Service law or Service discipline.
It is also useful for specialists who work in the Service police complaints space – such as police officers, Professional Standards Department staff and legal colleagues.
Commanding officers, policy leads and welfare leads will find it helpful too, explaining the role they can play in pointing people towards the right support.
What you will find on the website
The website brings together information and guidance in one place, including:
· A clear explanation of what the SPCC does and how it works
· Step-by-step guidance on how to make a complaint and what to expect
· The SPCC Annual Report – with data on complaints, investigation outcomes and improvements to Service policing standards
· Official statutory guidance for practitioners – giving clear direction on how to handle complaints consistently and fairly
SPCC: the facts
Oversees the complaints framework – for around 3,000 Service Police Officers across the UK and worldwide: similar in size to forces like Lancashire Constabulary or Essex Police.
Works to secure Service personnel and public confidence in the Service Police complaints system – ensuring arrangements are efficient and effective, and that the system is accessible, open and honest.
Made up of experienced independent investigators – and a small team of Defence civil servants – working together to handle complaints fairly and openly.
Investigates the most serious cases and matters that require independent scrutiny – including death and serious injury, sexual assault and corruption.
Can only investigate matters that took place on or after 19 June 2023 – as set out in the Service Police Complaints Regulations 2023.
Reviews outcomes of complaints – to assess whether handling by appropriate authorities has been reasonable and proportionate.
Handling of ‘super complaints’: His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and the SPCC can investigate issues or concerns on behalf of the public about a feature (or features) of Service policing that is, or appears to be, significantly harming the interests of the public – these are known as super complaints.
Offers advice on how Service Police complaints should be managed – including training and guidance, making recommendations, and sharing examples of what works well.
What’s next?
The website will be updated regularly with new guidance and resources, based on emerging best practice and feedback from both complainants and practitioners.
Find out more
Visit the new SPCC website, to read the latest Annual Report, access guidance and find everything you need to know about Service police complaints.