|
Complaints against
Merseyside Police have fallen by 26%
COMPLAINTS against Merseyside Police
have fallen by 26% according to figures released by The Independent Police
Complaints Commission (IPCC), that was published on Tuesday, 15 November2016.
The number of complaint cases fell from 617 to 458 between 2014/15 and 2015/16.
In total complaints against all Forces in England and Wales fell by 8%. In
Merseyside 50% of cases were investigated and 37% were dealt with through the
local resolution process. Merseyside upheld 31% of investigation appeals. The
IPCC upheld 38% of appeals made about Merseyside complaint investigations.
Deputy Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said:- "We record all complaints in
accordance with national legislation and take each one seriously. We have a
dedicated Professional Standards Department containing specialist detectives who
will speak directly to complainants and work to resolve the issue to their
satisfaction. I am pleased to see that Merseyside has recorded a significant
fall in the number of complaints made, but we are not complacent and will
continue to work towards reducing this figure further. Our Officers and staff
are expected to behave appropriately at all times and anyone who feels that a
member of the Force has not can make a complaint in many ways, including writing
to or calling into a Police Station, dialling the non-emergency 101 number or
through our online reporting system on our website. The Force prides itself in
the conduct and professionalism of all its Officers and staff, who are
encouraged to engage with the public whenever they can. We will continue to
strive to maintain the high standards we set ourselves while serving the people
of Merseyside."
Merseyside's Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said:- "People expect
Officers, PCSOs and staff to behave with honesty, integrity, fairness and
impartiality at all times. The vast majority do, sometimes in the most
challenging of circumstances. However, like the rest of us, the Police are human
and mistakes can be made. It is only right that when a member of the public
feels that they have not been treated fairly or correctly that they know how to
complain and feel that their concerns are resolved quickly and effectively. This
is an essential part of the process of maintaining public confidence and trust
in the police. These figures released by the IPCC demonstrate Merseyside Police
received fewer allegations and significantly less complaints last year than in
the 12 months previously. This is really pleasing to see, but there is always
more that can be done and I know the Force will continue to do what they can to
improve standards and deliver the best possible service to the communities of
Merseyside."
|
