The arrangements for dealing with complaints against the police are statutory (set out within the Police Reform Act) and include the Police Authority in an 'oversight' role.

The great majority of complaints are investigated by the Police Professional Standards Department and only the most serious complaints are likely to include an independent element.

In those cases, the complaint is investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) or the force under the supervision of the IPCC.

If the force carries out the investigation, the Chief Constable may request officers from another police force to conduct the investigation on his behalf.

The Police Authority monitors the Constabulary's Professional Standards Department, in conjunction with an Assistant Chief Constable, through the Professional Standards Sub-Committee and by examining those investigations that have been completed.

The only complaints referred to the Police Authority are those against the conduct of one of the chief officers or equivalent-rank police staff members.  These are purely conduct-related complaints and not complaints relating to the direction and control of Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

The Police Appeals Tribunal deals with all complaint appeals from officers below the rank of Superintendent if the decision made is to reduce the officer's rank, to require them to resign or dismiss them.  The Police Authority will appoint the tribunal panel, which must include an Authority member.

The Police Authority also acts as the disciplinary body for the Chief Constable, Deputy and Assistant Chief Constables.  Appeals from these officers are referred to the Home Secretary.