Report Police Conduct to Monitoring Officer - Liverpool

Public Safety England 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

In Liverpool, England, people who are concerned about police conduct can seek local guidance from the city council's Monitoring Officer while serious or criminal matters are normally handled by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) or Merseyside Police professional standards. This guide explains who to contact, the likely investigation routes, what to include in a complaint and realistic next steps if you want a review or appeal.

Keep a clear record of dates, times, witnesses and any evidence when you report misconduct.

Who to report to

The Monitoring Officer at Liverpool City Council handles complaints about councillors and issues where a council process is involved; they can advise whether a local referral is appropriate and can accept reports about council-related reporting or information-sharing failures. See the Monitoring Officer contact details on the council site Monitoring Officer, Liverpool City Council[1]. For alleged police misconduct or criminal behaviour by officers, the IOPC accepts complaints and can advise on referrals to Merseyside Police Professional Standards IOPC: Make a complaint[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Responsibility for investigating police conduct typically sits with Merseyside Police Professional Standards, with oversight and, where appropriate, independent investigation by the IOPC. Liverpool City Council's Monitoring Officer can recommend council-level action if the matter involves councillors or council processes. Specific fines or monetary penalties for police misconduct are not set out on the cited pages for these offices and are therefore not specified on the cited page.

  • Enforcers: Merseyside Police Professional Standards, IOPC and, where applicable, Crown Prosecution Service for criminal offences.
  • Investigation outcomes: misconduct findings, management action, referral for criminal prosecution, or no further action, depending on evidence and seriousness.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: written warnings, misconduct notices, dismissal, retraining, or restrictions on duties.
  • Escalation: initial local investigation, independent IOPC investigation for serious or sensitive cases, and possible criminal prosecution; specific first/repeat/continuing offence fine ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Appeals and review: internal review requests, IOPC review mechanisms, and judicial review in the High Court where lawful grounds exist; specific statutory time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
The IOPC provides independent oversight and can take over or supervise investigations in serious cases.

Applications & Forms

The council does not publish a dedicated police-complaint form for the Monitoring Officer role on the cited page; the IOPC operates an online complaint process and guidance which you can use to make a formal complaint about police conduct. See the resources section below for direct links to the official forms and guidance.

Practical steps to report misconduct

  • Gather evidence: dates, times, witness names, photos, video, call logs and any correspondence.
  • Decide route: for council-related issues contact the Monitoring Officer; for police conduct contact IOPC or Merseyside Police Professional Standards.
  • Submit complaint: follow the IOPC online form or the police force complaints process; keep copies of submissions and reference numbers.
  • Follow up: request case reference, ask about expected timescales, and apply for internal review if dissatisfied.
If a crime may have occurred, report it promptly to police and note any crime reference numbers.

FAQ

Who should I contact first about police misconduct?
Contact Merseyside Police Professional Standards for local handling or the IOPC for independent oversight; the Monitoring Officer can advise if the issue involves council processes or councillors.
Can I remain anonymous?
You can ask about anonymity, but anonymous complaints may limit investigatory options and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
How long do investigations take?
Timescales vary by complexity; neither the council nor the IOPC pages specify fixed statutory time limits on the cited pages, so ask the investigating body for an estimate.

How-To

  1. Collect and collate all evidence and make concise notes of events.
  2. Choose the appropriate route: Monitoring Officer for council-related issues or IOPC/Merseyside Police for officer conduct.
  3. Complete the official complaint process online or by post and keep a copy and reference number.
  4. Request updates and, if necessary, ask for an internal review or escalate to the IOPC for independent consideration.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Monitoring Officer for council-related matters and the IOPC or police professional standards for officer conduct.
  • Keep thorough evidence and obtain complaint reference numbers.
  • Independent oversight is available via the IOPC for serious or contested investigations.

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