Complaints against police increase

Between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010, a total of 1,170 complaints were received by the force – up from 845 in the previous 12 months.

Most complaints, as in previous years, were in the areas of "other assault", "other neglect or failure in duty" and "incivility, impoliteness and intolerance".

South Yorkshire Police said that other forces had also seen a large increase in the number of complaints received and, rather than indicating problems in policing, it reflects an "open and transparent" system.

Deputy Chief Constable Bob Dyson said: "The increase in complaints is considered to be a reflection of the open and transparent recording process, where the public are able to complain directly to South Yorkshire Police and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

"The IPCC have stated that, in their view, it is their influence in strengthening confidence in the complaints system that has been instrumental in the increases experienced.

"Members of the public have many more ways to record their complaint or dissatisfaction, for example we have seen a marked rise in the number of complaints lodged by e-mail through our internet site.

"We are committed to taking appropriate action to resolve complaints and to identify where we need to improve the service we provide."

Just over half of the complaints received by South Yorkshire Police over the last year were submitted either in writing or by e-mail.

The simplicity of the Internet system, which involves making two clicks to submit a complaint, was also cited by the force as an explanation for the increase in complaints from the public.

The police force also said that the IPCC was "pleased" with the increase in the number of complaints, as it represents an "open and transparent complaints system."

South Yorkshire Police recorded 194 complaint allegations per 1,000 staff last year, which compares "favourably" with other similar police forces.

The average time to investigate a complaint case is 103 working days and the average time to locally resolve a case is 48 days which, again, compare well with similar forces.

The statistics also show that male staff attract more complaints, with 62.5 per cent of complaints being made against men. However, this is thought to reflect the gender split of members of staff in front line posts. Officers aged between 30 and 39 were also found to attract more complaints, as did officers who had served between five and nine years with the police.

Of those complaints received by the force last year, almost 57 per cent were resolved locally and 20 per cent became subject to investigation.

Thirty-three referrals were made to the IPCC and one case became the subject of an independent inquiry.

One recent complaint to South Yorkshire Police is currently being investigated by the IPCC, after a police custody detention officer allegedly poured hot liquid over a prisoner, leaving him needing hospital treatment for burns.

The police worker was arrested and bailed following the incident at Barnsley police station on Sunday, May 30.

A 26-year-old Barnsley man, who had been arrested for a public order offence, was treated in hospital for burns and blisters to his groin.

The worker has now been suspended while the IPCC manages an investigation.