02/02/2015

Complaints Against Police Rise 15%

Complaints made against the police have risen 15% in 2013/14 compared to 2012/13, new figures from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) have revealed.

The figures show in 2013/14 there was a total of 34,863 complaints made against police, the highest since the IPCC began in 2004.

Commenting on the findings, chair of the IPCC, Dame Anne Owers, said: "As we have said many times, this reflects a complaints system which is complex, bureaucratic and over-focused on blame.

"The IPCC has always been concerned about this, as we consider that it is an in-force review, not an independent appeal.

"These figures add to that concern. It is clear that forces uphold a much lower proportion of appeals than the IPCC."

The full report can be read here.

(MH/JP)

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