IPCC report - Police Complaints 2006/07

Reacting to the publication of the IPCC report ‘Police Complaints 2007/07’ Jan Berry, Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, says:
 
“Whilst accepting there has been an increase in the amount of complaints registered to the IPCC, it is important to put this into context and balance this increase with the amount of actual substantiated allegations. The fact that only one in ten of these investigated complaints were substantiated is extremely significant. When you consider there are 140,000 police officers in England and Wales, and that a primary function of our role will place us in conflict with individuals, then 1,376 substantiated complaints in a year is a low figure. 
 
“What must be recognised and praised is that nearly half of the complaints were dealt with quickly through local resolution. The implementation of the upcoming Conduct & Performance Regulations will further improve this which will benefit the public and the police. It is also anticipated that these new regulations will reduce the levels of complaints. What isn’t clear from this IPCC report is whether the allegations could or should have been dealt under unsatisfactory performance rather than as conduct.
 
“The police service must continue to learn lessons in order to drive down the number of complaints received, and on-going quality training for officers on the ground would certainly assist this process.” 
 

For further information please contact the Police Federation of England and Wales press office on 020 8335 1000