750 complaints made against Merseyside Police (From Wirral Globe)

750 complaints made against Merseyside Police

9:38am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

MORE than 750 complaints against Merseyside Police were recorded last year, new figures have revealed.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today released statistics showing there were 753 complaints against the force, containing 1,860 allegations such as impoliteness, unlawful or unnecessary detention and “oppressive” conduct or harassment.

The Commission revealed how there were 176 appeals to them about Merseyside Police’s handling of complaints including their failure to record a complaint.

Of the 139 appeals carried out by the IPCC during 2011/12, 47% were upheld – 9% higher than the national average.

Temporary assistant Chief Constable Darren Martland said it was very easy for the public to make complaints and urged people to make themselves heard if officers have not behaved appropriately.

He said: "The number of complaints received annually in the last two years has remained stable and the number of cases has fallen, yet it has actually never been easier to make one to the force.

"Our officers and staff should behave appropriately at all times and anyone who feels that a member of the force has not, can make a complaint in many ways, including writing to or calling into a police station, dialing the non-emergency 101 number or through our recently introduced online reporting system on our website.

"We record all complaints in accordance with national legislation and take each one seriously. We have a dedicated Professional Standards Department containing specialist detectives who will speak directly to complainants and work to resolve the issue to their satisfaction.

"The force prides itself in the conduct and professionalism of all its officers and staff, who are encouraged to engage with the public whenever they can. We will continue to strive to maintain the high standards we set ourselves while serving the people of Merseyside."

According to the figures, people are becoming more unhappy with the way police are dealing with complaints across the country.

Overall during 2011/12 a total of 6,339 appeals from complainants were made to the IPCC, up 3%.

There was an increase in the number of appeals made against the decision by police forces not to record a complaint last year while almost two thirds were upheld by the IPCC and the force was told to record the complaint.

Dame Anne Owers, chairwoman of the IPCC, said: "It is of concern that not only has there been an increase in the number of appeals to the IPCC from those dissatisfied with the way their complaint was handled; there has also been a considerable increase in the proportion of appeals that we uphold.

"All chief constables should take 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. In particular, they should look closely at the number and type of appeals upheld by the IPCC.”

The total number of complaints recorded by police forces in England and Wales fell for the second consecutive year.

However the IPCC is unclear on the reason for the drop in complaints to forces, saying it could be that the service has improved or it could highlight problems with access to the complaints system.