Call for faster resolution of complaints against police
COMPLAINTS against police officers should be resolved faster, the Police Federation has said, after it emerged that the average time it takes to settle grievances has increased by almost two weeks over the past year.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission’s annual report into complaints statistics showed that the time taken to resolve complaints in 2014/15 had increased to 147 days, 12 days longer than the year before.
The IPCC report showed a slight rise of 6% in complaints to just over 37,000 – the most recorded since the commission started collecting data in 2004/05.
However, out of the 31,333 allegations investigated, only 14% were upheld, showing no increase from the previous year.
Alex Duncan, professional standards lead at the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “We are still concerned by the length of time it can take to resolve complaints but we are encouraged by the latest figures which are an indication that the system is working.”
He pointed out that the rise in complaints was not mirrored by the complaints that are being upheld, which he said remain “relatively low”.
Mr Duncan added: “Policing is about maintaining public order and keeping the streets safe. Police officers do this by confronting the often unpleasant and dangerous elements in society and such interactions often lead to grievances being raised.
“Having a robust and well-resourced complaints system is crucial in ensuring the police service remains accountable for its actions.”
The most common complaint made was for “neglect or failure in duty”.
Alan Goodwin, deputy chief constable of Derbyshire Police and the national lead for complaints, added: “We police by public consent so it is always disappointing when somebody is unhappy with the service they have received.
“The system for handling complaints is complex and leads to inconsistencies between forces. The system is being reviewed with the aim of improving it for those with a complaint and the forces handling it.”