You have lodged a complaint with Committee P
What happens next?

Committee P was set up to detect problems in the operation of police forces, not so much to investigate misconduct by individual police officers. Committee P cannot investigate all complaints itself, but refers them to the department best placed to deal with them.

Referral

Investigation by the police force concerned
Most complaints are forwarded to the relevant police chief, who is asked to provide an explanation or to investigate the complaint in detail.
Committee P generally does this for complaints about individual police misconduct because the officer's superior is best placed to investigate the complaint and act quickly to take the appropriate measures and/or disciplinary action. You will be informed of this in writing.
Committee P does, however, oversee the way in which your complaint is handled, since it is always informed of the outcome of the police investigation, which it takes into account as part of its overall monitoring of police forces.
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Investigation by Investigation Department P
The complaints which Committee P passes to its own investigation department (Investigation Department P) for investigation mainly relate to organisational or structural failings.
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Ending the complaint
Committee P may also decide to terminate the processing of your complaint if:
  • the complaint seems clearly unfounded;
  • you cannot be located or you refuse to cooperate;
  • you withdraw the complaint, or;
  • the complaint does not fall within Committee P's remit.
You will be notified of this in writing. You can contest the decision by submitting a written request, stating your reasons. If significant new information is presented, your complaint file may be reopened.
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Criminal offences
Information concerning criminal offences will be passed on to the judicial authorities.

Closure

After an investigation by the police force concerned
The police force will inform you and Committee P of the conclusions of its investigation and the measures taken.
If you do not agree with these conclusions, you can ask Committee P to reconsider your complaint by sending it a written request, stating your reasons.

After an investigation by Committee P
Committee P will notify you in writing, and in general terms, about the results of the investigation.
Based on the conclusions of the investigation, Committee P may make recommendations for improving the operation of police forces.
It may also propose measures to address recurring failings.
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No sanctions or mediation
Committee P does not have the power to impose sanctions, give orders or issue instructions to police forces or police officers.
It is also not its job to mediate in disputes between members of the public and police forces.
Would you like more information?
Visit our page with frequently asked questions.