Discrimination Complaint — Police Officer Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to formally raise a discrimination or harassment complaint under the Equality Act 2010, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong discrimination complaint — police officer should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• State it is a formal complaint under the Equality Act 2010
• Identify the protected characteristic involved
• Describe the treatment with dates and facts
• Explain the impact
• State the outcome sought
• Note that the Equality Act specifically covers police officers despite their office holder status
• Request a formal meeting

How the Equality Act applies to police officers

Despite police officers holding "office holder" status rather than standard employee status, Equality Act 2010 protections against discrimination and harassment still apply fully — this is an important distinction from unfair dismissal rights, which generally don't extend to officers in the same way.

What to include before you send it

• A clear, factual account of the treatment you've experienced
• The specific protected characteristic you believe was the reason for it
• Any pattern or comparator evidence, if available
• What outcome you're seeking through the internal complaints or grievance process

Why the correct internal process matters here

Police discrimination complaints generally go through specific internal channels distinct from standard grievance procedures used elsewhere — following the correct force-specific process from the outset avoids delays and ensures your complaint is handled by those with appropriate authority to act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring an Employment Tribunal claim as a police officer?
Yes — despite office holder status, officers can bring Equality Act claims to an Employment Tribunal, generally within 3 months minus 1 day of the treatment complained of (six months less one day for acts on or after 1 October 2026).

What if the discrimination comes from a senior officer in my chain of command?
This doesn't prevent you from raising a complaint — most forces have processes designed specifically to handle complaints involving more senior colleagues fairly and independently.

[Your Name / Rank / Role]
[Your Department / Station]
[Your Address and Postcode]
[Your Email Address]
[Name of the person who handles grievances or complaints in your force]
[Name of Police Force]
[Address]
[Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name],

Subject: Formal complaint of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010

I am making a formal complaint about discrimination I have experienced in [Name of Police Force]. Police officers are office holders, but the Equality Act 2010 still protects us from discrimination and harassment.

The treatment was because of my protected characteristic of [e.g. race / sex / disability / age / religion or belief / sexual orientation]. It happened on [Date(s)] at [Location / Station] and involved [Name / Rank of the people involved].

What happened:
• [The first incident: what was said or done, and any witnesses.]
• [Any later incidents or a pattern of behaviour.]

The impact on me:
• [e.g. I was given unfair duties / my progression was blocked / my working environment became hostile.]

To put this right, I would like [e.g. a full investigation / an apology / changes to how duties are allocated].

Please confirm you have received this complaint and arrange a formal meeting to discuss it.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]