150 demonstrators and a samba band gathered at Churchill Square in Brighton today (Sat 19/01/2008) to protest at the heavy handed tactics increasingly being used by Brighton police against legitimate protest groups.

They marched, to the accompaniment of Rhythms of Resistance, to the local police station where a noisy protest was held. Police formed a cordon in front of the main reception area and denied entry to people who attempted to enter the premises to lodge formal complaints, informing them that the police station was closed. One man was violently arrested after standing on a car to get a better view by an unnecessarily large amount of police, despite informing them that he was on medication for mental health reasons.

The protest returned to Churchill Square and continued along Western Road, stopping occasionally to gather public support. Shortly after a warning was issued on a loudhailer by Inspector Parr threatening to arrest people for wilful obstruction of a public highway, (section 137, Highways Act 1980),the police swapped places with protestors by forming a cordon in the middle of the road, blocking traffic while people on the demo suddenly found themselves surrounding a group of kettled police.

Violent scenes were provided courtesy of the forces of law and disorder as it became apparent that the local keystones had totally lost control of the situation and could only answer non violent civil action with force. A big hello to sergeant Avery and pc Sean McDonald who win joint first prize for biggest hissy fit on a protest 2008 after their wonderful displays of impotent rage. One further arrest was made.

For anybody wishing to make a complaint to Sussex police about any aspect of the policing at today's demo or on any other occasion I have included, below, the complaints procedure from The Sussex Police website. Hope this helps.

Who can make a complaint?

You can make a complaint if you are a member of the public who:

* Has been the victim of the misconduct by a person serving with the police. Misconduct could include a police officer or member of police staff being rude to you or using excessive force. It could also include unlawful arrest or an abuse of your rights.
* Was present when the alleged misconduct took place, or close enough to see or hear the misconduct, and as a result suffered loss, damage, distress or inconvenience, or was put in danger or at risk.
* Is a friend or relative of the victim of the alleged misconduct, distressed by the effects of the incident on the victim.
* Has witnessed the alleged misconduct.
* Is acting on behalf of any of the above. Please note that if you would like someone to make a complaint on your behalf, you must give them your consent in writing unless they are from a body such as a Citizens Advice Bureau.

How do I make a complaint?

You can make a complaint directly to Sussex Police or through the IPCC or another advice organisation. Whatever the route, all complaints, by law, must be recorded by the police force itself.

If you want to make a complaint you can:

* Go into any police station and ask for your complaint to be recorded.
* Contact Sussex Police via phone on 0845 60 70 999. People with hearing or speech difficulties can use a text phone on our Minicom number 01273 483435.
* Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau, Racial Equality Council, Neighbourhood Warden, Youth Offending Team or Probation Service, all of whom can provide information.
* Contact a solicitor or your MP and ask them to make a complaint for you.
* Nominate a person to act on your behalf (they must have your written consent).
* Write to the Chief Constable or Commissioner of Sussex Police:

The Chief Constable
Sussex Police Headquarters
Malling House
Church Lane
Lewes, BN7 2DZ

* Contact the Independent Police Complaints Commission at:

90 High Holborn
London, WC1V 6BH
Tel: 08453 002 002

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has overall responsibility for the system for complaints against the police. For further information, visit the Commission’s website.

What should my complaint say?

As well as your name, address and contact details, the main things that your complaint should cover are:

* What happened.
* When it happened.
* Who was involved.
* What was said or done.
* Whether there were any witnesses other than yourself and the person serving with the police.
* Where the witnesses can be contacted, if known.
* Details of any damage or injury which took place.