Direct Communications Unit

2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

Switchboard 020 7035 4848 Fax: 020 7035 4745 Textphone: 020 7035 4742

E-mail: [Home Office request email] Website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk

[FOI #17435 email]

Mr Mark William Baker

Reference: T17439/9

Dear Mr Baker,

Thank you for your email dated 7^th October 2009. I hope this reply will further address your concerns and outline everything you need to know about making a complaint against the police and knowing your rights. As was brought to your attention in previous correspondence, the Policing Pledge sets out a clear offer of the minimum that the public can expect from the police and in light of the information you have requested, you may find it useful to read more about the pledge using the following link: http://policingpledge.direct.gov.uk/index.html

The police are equipped with a wide range of powers that they use to protect and reassure the public, to prevent and reduce crime, to maintain order and to bring criminals to justice. The most recent British Crime Survey figures suggest that growing numbers of the public think that the police are using their powers to deal effectively with the crime and anti-social behavour that matters in their area. Police powers are set out under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and are designed to balance the power of the police with the rights and freedoms of the general public.

For reference the PACE codes of practice can be found here: http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/operational-policing/powers-pace-codes/

In terms of enforcing your rights and means of redress, the following link sets out how the police complaints section works: http://www.yourrights.org.uk/yourrights/how-to-enforce-your-rights/the-police/index.html

If you have been directly affected by what you believe to be an abuse of power, further information on how to make a complaint and how complaints are dealt, recorded and investigated is also freely available; and can be found on the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) website http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/index/complaints.htm

Thank you for taking the time to email. I hope you find this useful.

Yours Sincerely,

Umar Khan

Police Strategy Team

Police Reform Unit