We can investigate a complaint from people who are:
- serving a prison sentence or on remand (in a public or private prison) in England or Wales
- held in a secure training centre or young offender institution (YOI)
- held in immigration detention (this includes immigration removal centres, short-term holding facilities and pre-departure accommodation)
- under probation supervision or living in approved premises in England and Wales
- complaining about escorts to or from prisons or IRCs
- a lawyer on behalf of the above people
We do not accept complaints from other people, but you may be able to help someone complain.
Helping someone else complain
If someone you know wants to make a complaint you can help them by explaining the steps they need to take. They can also get help from the IPCI Ambassador in their prison. Click here for the list of prisons where IPCI Ambassadors are located.
We have made a ‘How to complain to IPCI’ video which is available to prisoners on the Content Hub in Launchpad in select prisons and on WayOut TV. Direct your loved one to this for more information.
Read more about:
Complaints for people in prison
Complaints for people on probation or detained in immigration removal centres
If you’re worried for someone’s safety
If you are worried for the immediate safety of someone in prison, you should contact the prison as soon as possible. You can find the contact details for reporting concerns to the prison on GOV.UK.