IPCC Receive Record Number of Police Complaints Appeals

The Independent Police Complaints Commission received a record 6,339 appeals over how the police handled complaints in 2011-12.

Some 38% of these appeals were upheld by the IPCC – up from 30% or less in the three preceding years.

The IPCC figures show that overall number of complaints against police forces fell for the second year running to just over 30,000.

In its annual round-up of complaints, the IPCC warned against reading too much into the total number because a lower figure could indicate that people did not have the confidence to complain in the first place.

The 6,339 appeals to the watchdog in 2011-12 represented a 3% rise on the previous year.

Dame Anne Owers, chairwoman of the IPCC, said she was concerned by the figures.

"All chief constables should take a personal interest in the findings of this report and assure themselves that they and their staff are meeting their obligations to record and resolve valid complaints from the public," she said.

"In particular, they should look closely at the number and type of appeals upheld by the IPCC."

(H)