COMPLAINTS about Wiltshire Police have increased by almost half in the last year, reveal new figures released by the Independent Police Complaints Commission - the second largest increase of any police force in England and Wales.

In the last financial year there were 712 complaints lodged against Wiltshire Police compared with 489 the previous year - an increase of 46 per cent.

Only Staffordshire Police recorded a higher increase in complaints, which saw them up by 66 per cent on last year.

Temporary Superintendent Tim Corner, head of Professional Standards at Wiltshire Police, said complaints against the police were taken very seriously.

He said: “We have a comprehensive set of values within the force which alongside the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour are the basis by which we hold our staff and officers to account for their conduct and standards.

“Investigations into complaints against the police are taken extremely seriously. We have to be satisfied that we have explored every angle both in respect of procedures and the alleged conduct of those concerned.

“As a force we continue to strive to deliver a high level of service to the public and deal with any complaints we receive openly, fairly and in line with relevant legislation.”

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said the increase was to be expected as members of the public were encouraged to complain if they were displeased with the service they had received.

He said: “The increase in complaints in Wiltshire is in line with the national trend over the past couple of years. You can view the increase as good or bad.

“As Commissioner I have encouraged people to make a complaint if they are unhappy with the service received from Wiltshire Police and we have made it easier for people to make complaints. If the behaviour of an officer does not match up to the values and behaviours adopted by the force then it is right that people should complain."

“I am encouraged that there has been a nine per cent drop in appeals by dissatisfied complainants. One reason may be my appointment of an independent appeals adjudicator who oversees the process.”

He added no one knew for certain why the number of complaints was increasing among forces, but one theory that is thought to be behind the rise is that there are more smartphones connected to the internet making it quick and easy to lodge a complaint.

“In Wiltshire we have been encouraging people to complain if their concerns have not been addressed and we have set up a clear, impartial and rigorous complaints process in line with my Police and Crime Plan," he said.

"It is also worth noting that, in the year under review, we have had a number of instances where complainants have lodged multiple allegations, each of which is classed as a separate complaint.

“I am very hopeful that the community policing pilot currently under way in the Trowbridge and Warminster area will lead to an improvement in the quality of service to our public and thus to fewer complaints.”