Police Complaints Division

Complaints about police conduct are one of the important instruments for overseeing the actions or possible omissions of police officers in the performance of their duties that may constitute a violation of human rights or fundamental freedoms. For this reason, the right to lodge a complaint about police conduct, as well as the procedure for handling such complaints, is established and regulated by law.

By handling these complaints, the Division contributes to the professional and lawful conduct of the Police and strengthens public confidence in the work of police officers. The complaints procedure establishes the circumstances surrounding an alleged improper police procedure and the use of police powers.

A complaint procedure cannot be initiated in respect of:
–     objections or requests for judicial protection in minor offence proceedings;
–     written submissions or initiatives that do not meet the legal requirements, in particular those expressing disagreement with prescribed police methods or working practices; or complaints concerning procedures or actions by police officers that were not carried out in the performance of their police duties.

The Division ensures professional, high-quality and transparent oversight of police work, while safeguarding the operational autonomy and integrity of the Police.

If you believe that the officer’s actions or failure to act while carrying out their duties infringed your human rights or fundamental freedoms, you can submit a complaint about the conduct of a police officer within 45 days of the alleged incident.

A complaint may be submitted in writing or made orally for the record at the offices of the Police Complaints Division at the Ministry of the Interior and Public Administration, Litostrojska cesta 54 in Ljubljana, sent via e-mail to gp.mnz@gov.si or submitted through the e-Government portal. The complaint form is also available in Italian and Hungarian.

Complaints about the conduct of police officers are handled at two levels:

• conciliation procedure before the head of the relevant police unit;
• proceedings before a panel of the Ministry.