The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in England and Wales is facing an unprecedented rise in complaints, with 7,088 referrals recorded in the 2025/26 period, the highest since the organization was established in 2018. This surge is partially attributed to the use of AI by the public to assist in filing complaints, according to IOPC Director General Rachel Watson. The percentage of complaints upheld has significantly declined from 39.5% in 2022/23 to 26.8% in 2025/26, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the complaint review process. Watson emphasizes the need for reforms in police conduct systems, advocating for a more efficient approach that allows for quicker resolutions and support for officers facing intense pressure. She proposes that misconduct proceedings should occur before criminal trials to expedite the process. Watson also highlights the importance of frontline supervision in addressing inappropriate behavior early in officers' careers to foster accountability and improve public trust. The IOPC aims to increase its independent investigations to 500 or 600 cases to better manage the growing workload.