Essex Police complaints increase by 10%
Complaints against the police rose by 10% in Essex in 2009-10, a report has revealed.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said 908 people complained. Nationally complaints rose by 8%.
A complaint case can contain several allegations. In Essex these rose by nine, from 1493 to 1503, the IPCC said.
Assault and incivility allegations decreased from 126 to 114 and 225 to 211 respectively.
Neglect of duty rose from 546 to 558.
IPCC Commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said: "Prior to the introduction of the IPCC in 2004, the number of people complaining was falling and later research showed only 10% of people who felt like complaining actually did," she said.
"I believe improved confidence in and access to the complaints system has encouraged those who previously were not inclined to complain that making a complaint is worthwhile."
Nationally the most common aspect of policing that people complained about remained the same as in previous years, with nearly half of all allegations about incivility or neglecting duties.