Conduct of police officers attacked

Police in Mid Wales have recorded the second highest percentage increase in England and Wales for the number of public complaints received against it.

Dyfed Powys Police saw a 53 per cent rise in complaints from 2006/7 to 2007/8. The actual rise was from 188 complaints to 287.

The force said it welcomed complaints and expected to be held to account.

Each year a number of complaints are made by members of the public about the conduct of serving police officers and these are handed on to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The biggest increase in the number of complaints was seen by Sussex Police which had an 81 per cent increase.

In a statement, Dyfed-Powys Police said the rise was evidence of public confidence in the complaints system. The force said that when put in context the rise in numbers worked out to being just short of an additional two cases per week.

Sian George, force spokeswoman, said: "Such increases are acknowledged as a potential indication of public confidence in the complaints system.

"It is fair to say that most police officers and staff do their best to provide the highest quality of service in what sometimes can be very difficult and challenging circumstances."