Investigations

Each year our investigators carry out hundreds of independent investigations into the most serious and sensitive incidents involving the police.

Police forces must refer the most serious incidents to us whether or not someone has made a complaint. For example, if police action results in a member of the public being seriously injured or dying:

  • while in custody
  • after they’ve had contact with the police
  • as a result of a police shooting
  • in a road collision involving the police

The police can also refer incidents to us if they have concerns about the conduct of their officers or staff. Sometimes we contact police forces directly to ask them to refer a matter to us. 

In 2023/24 we received more than 7,000 referrals from the police, but the majority of referrals are not investigated independently by us.

Guide to our investigations

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Find out more about our recent investigations

Information about our investigations
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Read summaries of our investigations

Investigation summaries

Operation Linden

Read about our series of investigations into how South Yorkshire Police responded to allegations of child sexual abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

Key areas of work

Find out more about the areas of work we cover, including our thematic work.

Media enquiries

If you are a journalist looking for more information you can find details of our media team here.