Date published: 13th November 2015

According to the Independent Police Complaints Commission Annual Report, the number of complaints recorded against the police has increased by 62% in the last 10 years.*

The IPCC Annual Report was reported on by the BBC on 7 October 2015.*

It is difficult to believe that the police complaints have increased so much in the last ten years. What makes matters worse is that of the number of complaints investigated only 14% were upheld in 2013-14. This is the same figure as those complaints upheld in 2003-4. There can be little doubt that both the police themselves and the police complaints system are failing the public.

The IPCC Report identifies numerous failings and inconsistencies in the way in which police forces across England and Wales investigate complaints.

The IPCC received 37,105 complaints in the last year against the 43 police forces it oversees. The most common complaint recorded was “other neglect or failure in duty”, which accounted for 34% of allegations recorded.

IPCC chair Dame Anne Owers has said the current system is “over-complex” and went further to say “the underlying problem is the system itself.” She also commented “we welcome government proposals to bring in legislation to simplify and streamline a system that at present satisfies neither those who need it nor those who have to operate it.”

In response to the IPCC Report the National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Complaints, Deputy Chief Constable Alan Goodwin, agreed that the system for handling complaints should be easier.

Chris Topping, Director and head of the Actions Against the Police at Broudie Jackson Canter, said the following about the IPCC Annual Report:

“Our experience over many years is that the Police complaints system is complex, cumbersome and does not provide a satisfactory route for the public to have their grievances dealt with. The report does not really contain any surprises. Our concern is that there is no true appetite for reforms which will make a difference to people’s lives. It is time for a truly robust independent system which has teeth and which can ensure that we have the Police that we deserve in the twenty first century.”

The IPCC Report also found:

  • More people were dissatisfied with the way their complaint was handled - the total number of appeals made by dissatisfied complainants increased by 7%;
  • 14% of complaints were made about ‘incivility, impoliteness and intolerance’
  • The time taken to resolve complaints increased to 147 days - 12 days longer than the year before;
  • Those who appeal over how their complaints are handled are twice more likely to be successful if their case is heard by the IPCC than the individual force.

To read the full IPCC report please visit here.

If you have a complaint you wish to make to the police, or have already engaged the police complaints system please do not hesitate to contact Broudie Jackson Canter. Click here for a call back or message us your enquiry.