How to make a complaint
The Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (PONI) is responsible for recording and investigating public complaints made against the police. The organisation provides an independent, impartial police complaints system for people and police under the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 and 2000.
If you have a complaint about the conduct of a Police Officer, contact the Police Ombudsman directly. Simply :
- Call into the Police Ombudsman’s Office at New Cathedral Buildings, St Anne's Square, 11 Church Street, Belfast BT1 1PG between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. (You do not need an appointment).
- Write to the Police Ombudsman at the above address
- Contact your solicitor, who can contact the PONI regarding your complaint
- Phone the Police Ombudsman on 0845 601 2931 or 028 9082 8600
- Email info@policeombudsman.org
- Complete the PONI online complaints form
- If you are in prison and have a complaint about the conduct of a police officer, you can write directly to PONI. Prison staff will treat your letter as confidential
Alternatively, you can call into your local police station. They will not deal with your complaint, but refer it to PONI as soon as possible.
