Allegations against Gloucestershire Police rise by 20 per cent
ALLEGATIONS against Gloucestershire police have gone up nearly 20 per cent in the past year.
Figures released by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), show allegations against the force's staff and officers rose 19 per cent from 480 between April 2010 and March 2011 to 573 from April 2011 to March 2012.
The allegations were made in the form of complaints, which also went up by 12 per cent (314 to 353) over the same period.
Gloucestershire Constabulary was the second most effective force at recording complaints.
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Inspector Bob Heywood, of Gloucestershire Constabulary's Professional Standards department, said: "The people of Gloucestershire are right to expect high standards from us. We endeavour to provide the highest possible level of service to the public and overall our staff and officers operate in a highly professional manner.
"While it is disappointing to see the number of recorded complaints has increased in the last year, we are always willing to learn from complaints and are dedicated to ensuring our complaints system is easy to access and that complaints are recorded effectively, as is also shown from these figures.
"We can assure anyone who raises concerns about the conduct of our officers and staff with us that we will always take the matter seriously."
When a complaint is made, Gloucestershire Constabulary will initially deal with it and decide whether to record it, investigate it, find a local resolution or discontinue it.
During the time frame, the police investigated 255 (48 per cent) of the allegations, while 43 (eight per cent) were withdrawn and 150 (28 per cent) were dealt with internally.
Gloucestershire police upheld 15 per cent of the complaints.
Complainants unhappy with the outcome can appeal and from April 2011 to March 2012, 63 appeals were made to the independent watchdog.
Just seven of them (11 per cent) were over the constabulary's failure to record complaints.
Nationally, the IPCC is dealing with an increasing number of appeals from people unhappy with the way their complaints have been handled by forces.
Dame Anne Owers, IPCC chairman, said: "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."
No information was available about the nature of the allegations locally.
â Have you complained about the police? Contact the Echo on 01242 278 081 or email echo.news@glosmedia.co.uk.
Comments
by Ysedra
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 6:40PM
“"While it is disappointing to see the number of recorded complaints has increased in the last year, we are always willing to learn from complaints and are dedicated to ensuring our complaints system is easy to access and that complaints are recorded effectively, as is also shown from these figures."
Not in my experience, and I doubt in many others'.”