Being a police officer is not easy. It is a tough task that requires you to do your duty and think before enabling any action. The responsibility of being an officer is that you are accountable for your actions as a police officer. If you are unable to discharge your duties, it is time to leave the department permanently and not temporarily. If you have been mistreated or wrongly accused by the police, you have every right to file a complaint against them. A good police force keeps its citizens safe, secure, and happy; however, there may be times when members of the force fall short of meeting these standards of behaviour. When that happens, people must know their rights to protect themselves from unfair treatment or negligence.
What Constitutes a Complaint the Police Against?
A police officer’s actions, such as using excessive force during an arrest, handling accused people and evidence improperly, violating someone’s civil rights, or mishandling a case, may give rise to a complaint against the police. It is possible for both citizens and other law enforcement personnel to file complaints against the police.
Types of Complaints Against the Police-
*Abuse of Power: This refers to the misuse of authority to mistreat a citizen. This can take the form of verbal abuse, assault, or any other form of harassment.
*Unlawful Arrest: This happens when the police arrest you without any legal cause or reason. – False Charges: This happens when the police charge you with a crime you did not commit.
*Negligence: This happens when the police fail to perform their duties when arresting someone or gathering evidence. – Wrongful Death: This happens when the police act negligently, which results in death.
How to lodge a Complaint Against the Police in India?
Complaints against the police are very common and can be filed by anyone. You can also file a complaint against the police if you feel that they have mistreated you or treated you unfairly in any way. A complaint against the police can be made in person at the police station, over the phone, or in writing via email or snail mail.
*In person at a police station: You can lodge a complaint with the police at the local police station where the incident occurred. You have to explain the details of the incident to the station police.
*Over the Phone: You can also file a complaint against the police over the phone by calling the police station and speaking to the duty officer. You will be required to explain the incident in detail to the officer.
*In Writing via Email or Snail Mail: You can also file a complaint against the police in writing via email or snail mail. You will be required to include a detailed account of the incident, along with the names of the officers involved and the dates and times of the incident.
*Translating the Complaint: You may need to have the complaint translated into the language of the police officer you are filing the complaint against.
Steps to Lodge a Complaint Against the Police in India-
Here are the steps to file a complaint against the police in India: –
1. Identify the Officer: You must first identify the police officer or officers who mistreated you. If you are unsure of the identity of the officer, you can file a complaint against the police department.
2. Write Down the Incident: Write down exactly what happened and when it happened. Include the names of any witnesses and the names of any people who were also mistreated by the police.
3. Gather Evidence: Gather any evidence that might help prove your cases, such as photographs of your injuries, recordings of interviews, and medical records.
4.File the Complaint: Once you have all this information, you can file a complaint against the police. You can do this in person, over the phone, or in writing via email or snail mail.
5. Follow Up: Finally, follow up on the complaint to make sure that it is being investigated properly. This will take some time, so be patient and don’t give up.