Is it true that complaints against the police can only be submitted by writing to the Chief Constable of the relevant police force?

The process for complaining about the police in the UK is designed to be accessible and transparent, so limiting complaints to written letters to the Chief Constable would be far too restrictive. Think about it: what if someone has a disability that makes writing difficult, or doesn't speak English fluently? The Independent Office for Police Conduct, or IOPC, oversees the police complaints system. While you *can* complain directly to the police force involved, you can also complain to the IOPC directly, or even through other avenues like your local Police and Crime Commissioner. The IOPC ensures that complaints are handled fairly and investigates the most serious allegations of misconduct. This system was developed to build public trust and confidence in the police, and that requires multiple channels for raising concerns. So, the idea that you're limited to writing to the Chief Constable is simply not true.