Complaints Against Police Rise

Complaints made by the pubic against the police have risen by 8%, watchdog figures show.

According to statistics published by the Independent Police Complaints Commission there where 31,259 complaints in England and Wales in 2008/09; that's a 2,296 increase on the past year.

In total, the number of complaints has risen by approximately 8,000 since 2004/05 when the IPCC first became responsible for collecting the data.

As in previous years most complaints are about 'neglect of duty' (24%) and 'incivility' (21%), essentially being rude and late.

The proportion of all allegations that are substantiated is 10%.

Also published today is data from research conducted as part of the British Crime Survey (BCS) 2006/07.

More than a quarter of BCS respondents said they had been "really annoyed" by their contact with police.

Reviewing the year's statistics IPCC Chair Nick Hardwick, said: "At a time when politicians and the police are debating public confidence in the police and how to make them more accountable, the complaint figures published today give a strong indication of what the public want sorted out.

"Complaints about rude and late officers consistently top complaint categories and work to address this can have a positive impact.

"The public recognise the police have a difficult job to do. However, this does not alter the fact that they expect officers to do their job politely and efficiently.

"These statistics show that when it is not done in this manner they are likely to complain."

The IPCC is currently consulting on changes to its 'Statutory Guidance' - the rules about how the complaint system should operate. The aim of which will be to create a simpler and less bureaucratic system.

IPCC Chair Nick Hardwick continued: "We want to make sure the system focuses on sorting out complainants' concerns and putting things right. People accept things will sometimes go wrong and on these occasions they do not necessarily want to see an officer punished.

"But what they do want is for the mistake to be acknowledged and not repeated, put right if possible and an apology or explanation given."

The BCS survey also found that of the 27% of people who had been 'really annoyed' by their contact with the police, only 10% made a complaint.

Findings from the BCS and previous IPCC research show that those who don't complain are likely to be young people and those from BME communities, although their confidence appears to be growing.

Hardwick concluded:"The overall increase in the number of complaints reflects growing confidence in the system and more consistent complaint recording standards. We want to make sure all sections of society have confidence.

"If the police are to enjoy the confidence of the public it is important they hear from all communities about their experience of policing – good and bad."

(GK/BMcC)