POLICE in Devon and Cornwall have hit back after the number of complaints against them rose by 11 per cent in the last year.

There were 1,515 complaints against the force, compared to 1,364 in 2013/14. The report also found that allegations of misconduct rose by 13 per cent.

Superintendent Sam de Reya, head of Professional Standards said: “Devon and Cornwall Police welcome the IPCC’s report into the national police complaints process, and specifically the comments of Dame Anne.”

Chair of the independent police complaints commission Dame Anne Ower’s statement said that the complaints system is “over-complex and inconsistent”.

“In 2014/15 there was an overall six per cent increase in the number of complaints made,” Dame Owers said.

“These figures show a complaints system that is both over-complex and inconsistent and is clearly failing to satisfy a significant number of complainants.

“The underlying problem is the system itself.

“We welcome the fact that the government proposes to bring in legislation to simplify and streamline a system that at present satisfies neither those who need it or those who operate it.”

The report - Police complaints – Statistics for England and Wales 2014/15 - was published on Wednesday (October 7).

The 11 per cent rise in complaints for Devon and Cornwall’s Police force was almost double the national average of six per cent.

Out of the 2,582 allegations made against the force, 1,054 allegations led to an investigation. Of these, 15 per cent were upheld.

Supt de Reya added: “We agree that the process is overly bureaucratic and needs to be simplified and reformed to ensure transparency and to build public confidence in the system.

“We encourage the public to contact us if they are unhappy with the service they have received from the Force. This provides us with the opportunity to review the service and learn for the future.

“Devon and Cornwall Police undertook a restructuring of the recording and handling of public complaints in 2011/2012 and since then we have seen an increase in reported complaints.

“The public should feel confident to report to us any concerns they may have about the service they have receive. The increase in reporting is a strong indication that the public believe we will deal with their complaint fairly and effectively.”