Legal professionals are among those being asked to submit evidence to a major review of police accountability amid a 15% rise in complaints. 

People in England and Wales with experience of the police system, including victims, complainants, barristers and solicitors, are invited to contribute to a review of police accountability which runs until 15 January 2027. 

Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) statistics published last month show that more than 108,000 police complaints were logged in 2025/26, up 15% on the previous year – although the IOPC says changes in how complaints are recorded contributed to this increase. 

The review, launched by independent co-chairs Dame Lynne Owens and Jason Beer KC, will examine how complaints, investigations, performance issues and misconduct processes work across policing, including the impacts of the criminal, civil and coroner’s courts.

‘As part of the call for evidence we want to establish what people think the accountability system is for,’ Owens said. ‘We want to hear from people whose experiences and perspectives differ, both in terms of the current challenges and the solutions to resolve them.’

Beer added: ‘This is a once in a generation opportunity fundamentally to reform the police accountability system. We encourage everyone with relevant evidence to contribute.’

Victims’ commissioner Claire Waxman said: ‘I am acutely aware that victims and bereaved families’ experiences of the police complaints system can often be difficult, distressing and retraumatising. For many, it can also be a lengthy process, undertaken in the hope of receiving answers, recognition of the harm they have suffered or where appropriate, an apology or meaningful redress.’  

IOPC director general Rachel Watson described the current system as 'too complex and overly bureaucratic'.

The government announced the End-to-End Review of the Police Accountability System in July. The co-chairs will consider the public submissions to the review, engage with stakeholders, visit police forces and conduct expert interviews and research.