North Yorks police force 'has most complaints'

North Yorkshire Police Authority's professional standards sub committee will consider Adam Briggs' report today.

It is based on figures taken from the complaints register held at police headquarters at Newby Wiske, near Northallerton, and covers the period from April 1 to June 30.

The register shows 120 complaints - two more than in the same period last year. The report includes 185 allegations - eight more than last year.

The force has the highest number of complaints per 100 staff compared to similar forces.

The report said: "The figures show that North Yorkshire Police has recorded four complaints per 100 officers or police staff.

"Gloucester, Norfolk and Devon and Cornwall each have the same level of complaints, which is the highest within our group."

Wiltshire and Warwick Police have each recorded two complaints, which is the lowest figure in the group of eight.

York police received 42 complaints - the highest of the seven districts covered by the force.

The next highest were Scarborough with 30 and Hambleton with 27.

Police incivility was at the root of most complaints, with allegations increasing to 52 from 28.

The number of superintendent's written warnings is five times what it was last year.

There were ten warnings issued for lack of integrity and honesty, use of excessive force, failures in performance, failing to comply with lawful orders, lack of confidentiality and discreditable conduct.

One officer is suspended from duty and six have been taken off frontline duties pending the outcome of investigations.

However, there has been improvements. The force's average investigation time is 72 hours, which is below the national average of 120. So far, only four complaints, containing six allegations, have been substantiated.

And 19 allegations of assault were submitted, compared to 23 last year. The force has received 57 letters of appreciation and 16 police staff have received Area Commander's commendations.