Complaints on the rise

COMPLAINTS against North Wales Police have risen for the second successive year.

New figures show the force has received 330 complaints during 2013/14, compared to 306 in 2012/13 - an 8% increase.

The rise was much sharper than from 2011/12 to 2012/13 which only saw a 3% increase.

Of the 330 complaints, 44 were reviewed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, with 17 upheld. Chief inspector David Roome said the vast majority of complaints were about “quality of service” issues and provided the Force with “valuable information” to help it improve.

The figures appeared in a report by the IPCC, which expressed concern over the growing number of complaints across England and Wales with 34,863 cases involving complaints in 2013/14, a 15% increase on the previous year.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick said: “All complaints must be treated seriously as it is very important that the officers and staff of North Wales Police uphold the highest possible standards at all times.

“One factor in the rise in complaints is that there is now greater awareness of Police and Crime Commissioners than there was of the old police authorities. This has led to an increase in the public’s confidence to make complaints and given them the reassurance that the PCCs will oversee the process effectively.” He also said he was reconsidering the complaints procedures and would be sending his suggestions to the Home Office.