COMPLAINTS against Suffolk police increased by 6pc in 2008/09, new figures have shown.That compares to a rise of 8pc nationally, according to statistics released by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today.

COMPLAINTS against Suffolk police increased by 6pc in 2008/09, new figures have shown.

That compares to a rise of 8pc nationally, according to statistics released by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today.

There were 317 complaint cases recorded by Suffolk police in 2008/09, up from 299 the year before. Complaints against the force have increased by 71pc in the last five years.

Neglect of duty accounted for 28pc of complaints, and incivility and impoliteness for 19pc.

Just over a quarter (26pc) of allegations were formally investigated and nearly half (46pc) were completed through the local resolution process. Seven per cent of complaints formally investigated were substantiated.

Meanwhile complaints against Norfolk police remained stable, increasing by just one per cent in 2008/09.

There were 436 complaint cases recorded by Norfolk police in 2008/09, up from 431 the year before.

Allegations of “neglect of duty” accounted for 27pc of complaints against Norfolk officers, compared to a national average of 24pc.

A further 17pc related to “incivility and impoliteness”, below the national average of 21pc.

Just over a third (36pc) of allegations were formally investigated and over half (51pc) were completed through a “local resolution” process agreed with the complainant, where a local police supervisor gives an explanation or apology.

Six percent of complaints formally investigated were substantiated, lower than the national average of one in ten.

IPCC chairman Nick Hardwick said: “The overall increase in the number of complaints reflects growing confidence in the system and more consistent complaint recording standards.”