Raising a Police Grievance Fairly and Effectively
The police grievance procedure provides a structured way to raise concerns about treatment, working conditions, decisions, or relationships. It is separate from misconduct. Most matters resolve informally; some progress to formal stages.
Unofficial independent resource — always verify with official sources (College of Policing, your force, PFEW).
Who this guide is for
- Officers experiencing unfair treatment or bullying
- Officers disputing operational decisions affecting them
- Officers facing repeated unreasonable demands
- Officers needing to raise concerns about a colleague or supervisor
What to do first
Keep a private dated record of incidents now, even if you have not decided to escalate. Speak to your Federation rep before submitting anything formal.
Step-by-step guide
- 1
Try informal resolution first
Where safe, raise the issue with your supervisor or relevant party. Keep notes. Most grievances resolve at this stage.
- 2
Speak to your Federation rep
A rep can advise on the strength of your case, force procedure variations, and likely outcomes before any formal step.
- 3
Submit a written grievance
If informal does not work, submit a written grievance under your force procedure. Be factual, dated, and specific. Identify the outcome you seek.
- 4
Engage with the investigation
Provide evidence and witnesses. Attend meetings with your rep present.
- 5
Consider appeal or external avenues
If the outcome is unsatisfactory, internal appeals are usually the first route. ACAS, Employment Tribunal (for protected characteristics), or PFEW legal may be considered after.
Your rights
- Right to raise grievances without detriment
- Right to Federation representation
- Right to a fair and timely process
- Right to written outcome with reasons
- Right to appeal
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Going straight to formal without trying informal first
- Drafting the grievance in anger
- Mixing welfare/misconduct/grievance issues in one document
- Failing to keep contemporaneous notes
When to get help
Federation rep at any stage. ACAS for general workplace dispute principles. PFEW Legal for grievances that overlap with discrimination or unlawful treatment.
Related templates & resources
Official sources
BlueLineHub is independent and unofficial. Always verify with the authoritative source below.
- Verify on official source
PFEW — Fairness at Work
Federation guidance on grievance procedures
Last checked: May 2026 - Verify on official source
ACAS — Grievance procedures
General principles on workplace grievances
Last checked: May 2026 - Verify on official source
College of Policing — Fairness at Work APP
Authorised practice on workplace fairness
Last checked: May 2026
Frequently asked questions
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