How do you complain about mistreatment by the police and ask for compensation?
Right to complain
If you believe that police officers have treated you unlawfully during your arrest, you have the right to complain about their behaviour.
You have the right to complain if you believe that the police used excessive force when arresting and/or escorting you, and also during your stay in your cell. You can also complain if the police did not ensure that your basic needs were met. For example, they did not provide you with food or water, did not call for medical aid when necessary or if they did not allow you to inform your family or employer about your arrest.
Where to submit the complaint?
Mistreatment or disrespect of your rights by the police will be investigated by the prosecution. To complain about the behaviour of a police officer, you can submit a complaint to the district prosecutor. The prosecutor will carry out a preliminary check on your complaint. It may appoint a body, which will investigate it. You have the right to receive a response to your complaint from the prosecutor when the preliminary check is completed. Where and when you can appeal the decision must be indicated in the decision. If the prosecutor decided to open a pre-trail investigation, you have the right to be constituted as an injured party. You can also complain to the Minister of Interior. In this case your complaint will be examined by the “Internal Security” Department of the Ministry. The responsible police officer may be punished if his/her acts constitute an administrative offense.
Impact on your criminal case
If you believe that your mistreatment could be related to, and leave an impact on your rights in your criminal case, read more about the complaint mechanisms.
Compensation
You can also request compensation if you believe that your rights were violated due to the mistreatment by the police.
Read more how to request compensation: