Police take complaints seriously but system leads to inconsistencies between forces

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Complaints, Deputy Chief Constable Alan Goodwin said:

“We police by public consent so it is always disappointing when somebody is unhappy with the service they have received. We take complaints very seriously and will always listen to and take heed of those who come forward to report any dissatisfaction.

“The system for handling complaints is complex and leads to inconsistencies between forces.  The system is being reviewed with the aim improving it for those with a complaint and the forces handling it. In the meantime, I’ll be considering these figures nationally and chief constables will be looking their own figures with their Police and Crime Commissioners to see if action is required at local level.”