Police complaints up 17%

Complaints against Greater Manchester Police have increased, statistics released today reveal.

Independent Police Complaints Commission figures show a total of 2,102 complaints were made by the public during 2008/09 — a 17% increase compared with the previous year.

The complaints contained 3,440 allegations — a rise of 3%.

Most related to officers failing to do their job or being rude and impolite.

The allegations were dealt with in a variety of ways, with 25% being formally investigated and 51% dealt with by way of local resolution, where a police supervisor gives the complainant an explanation or apology.

Of those investigated, 11% were substantiated, compared with a national average of 10%.

Naseem Malik, IPCC Commissioner for the North West, said: “The key to this is about how police officers communicate with the public they serve and how their concerns are addressed, either by an explanation or, if necessary, an apology.

“Whether the allegations or perceptions are correct or not, further work from police forces is clearly needed.”

Nationally, complaints rose 8% to 31,259 — again most centred around neglect of duty.

Since the IPCC became responsible for collecting the data in 2004/05, complaints have risen by around 8,000.

The IPCC is currently consulting on changes to create a simpler and less bureaucratic complaints system.

Chairman Nick Hardwick said: “We want to make sure the system focuses on sorting out concerns and putting things right.

“The overall increase in the number of complaints reflects growing confidence in the system and more consistent complaint-recording standards.”