COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES

HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES

Stage 1

In the first instance, we would ask that you contact the person you have already been dealing with, or their manager.  Most complaints can be sorted out quickly in this way.

However you choose to make your complaint (in writing or by telephone), the person who has dealt with your complaint will confirm in writing the outcome of the discussion and what, if any, further action will be taken within three days.

If you believe that your complaint cannot satisfactorily be resolved informally, you can make a formal written complaint to the Police Authority, Westgate Chambers, Staple Gardens, Winchester, Hampshire. SO23 8AW.  When making your complaint please try to be specific about what went wrong and what you would like the Authority to do to put things right.

The Authority will acknowledge receipt of your formal complaint within two days, providing the name and telephone number of the person investigating it and indicating the date by which you should receive a reply.  This will not normally exceed 28 days and if it is a relatively straight forward manner you should receive a reply more quickly.  If we cannot meet this target we will write explaining the reasons and keep you informed of progress.

The written response to your complaint will set out the full results of the investigation and will say what action, of any, will be taken.

Stage 2

We would hope to resolve all complaints at Stage 1, but if you are still unhappy you can appeal to the Chief Executive to the Authority.

As in Stage 1, we will acknowledge receipt of your complaint, giving the name and telephone number of the person dealing with the matter and the date by which we will reply. The Chief Executive will provide you with a full response, advising of what action, if any, is being taken.

We would expect all complaints to be satisfactorily resolved through our complaints procedure, but if having exhausted this process, you are still not satisfied that the Authority has dealt with your complaint appropriately, you have the right to make a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman at the following address:

Local Government Ombudsman
The Oaks No 2
Westwood Way
Westwood Business Park

Coventry

CV4 8JB

Tel: 024 7669 5999
Fax: 024 7669 5902