THE total number of complaints against Merseyside Police rose 5% to 695 last year, compared to an increase of 15% for England and Wales.

Statistics issued by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today follows a decrease of 12% in the force’s recorded complaints in 2012/13.

Some of the increase in 2013/14 is down to the definition of a complaint being broadened beyond an officer’s conduct to include “direction and control” matters to do with operational policing. 

A complaint case may have one or more allegations attached to it. A total of 2,189 allegations were made against Merseyside Police.

For each 1,000 employees, the force recorded 313 allegations, compared to 251 for all forces in England and Wales. 

A complainant has the right to appeal about the way in which a police force has handled their complaint. 39% of appeals from the public against Merseyside Police were upheld by the IPCC, compared with a 32% upheld rate for those considered by the force itself.

The overall uphold rate by police forces in England and Wales is 20%, compared with 46% by the IPCC.

The IPCC upheld 33% of 52 appeals where people were unhappy that Merseyside Police had not recorded their complaint, and 43% of 77 appeals from people unhappy with the Merseyside Police investigation into their complaint.

In 2013/14, Merseyside Police finalised 660 complaint cases in an average of 105 working days, compared to an England and Wales average of 101 working days.

Across England and Wales the most common complaints involve allegations that an officer has been neglectful or failed in their duty, or that an officer’s behaviour has been uncivil, impolite or intolerant. 

In November last year, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) Police Integrity and Corruption report recognised that the force has clear leadership from Chief Officers.

In its summary it said: "There was clear evidence in Merseyside that senior officers of the force take the issues of police integrity and corruption very seriously. Senior officers of the force have been proactive in taking important messages to the workforce and in developing a climate in which professional behaviour is encouraged and valued. The Anti-Corruption Unit is well trained and resourced."

HMIC found that the force had effective and efficient governance structures in the force, including integrity and anti-corruption board, and that there was clear evidence of regular engagement between senior officers and the PCC.

It also identified that the Professional Standards Department (PSD) works proactively to understand potential as well as actual threats and presents regular updates to the quarterly integrity and anti-corruption board meeting.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Cooke, said: “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, dialling 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."