Police hit by rise in complaints

Published on Thursday 11 June 2009 10:14

NEARLY 40 complaints have been upheld in the past year against Lothian and Borders police officers for everything from "malingering" to making "inappropriate racial comments" while on duty, it was revealed today.

Information obtained by the Evening News under freedom of information laws shows one officer was thrown off the force after an investigation by police chiefs ruled the officer was guilty of misappropriating funds.

One officer resigned while being investigated for acting in an "aggressive or improper manner", as did another accused of "acting in a manner to cause distress or discomfort".

A total of 21 complaints for neglect of duty were upheld, with officers punished for failing to submit reports, carry out investigations, attend incidents and call for medical help when asked.

Most of the officers received warnings while others were ordered to undergo counselling and two are still being dealt with through misconduct procedures.

The figures also reveal that the number of formal complaints lodged against the force rose by 26 per cent from 788 to 991 between last April and March 2009 against the same period the year before.

Police chiefs said that the dramatic rise had been caused by changes in how complaints about the force were logged.

Complaints can now be made by any member of the public – even if not involved in an incident – and complaints can be made about officers not on duty.

A police spokesman said: "Lothian and Borders Police take all complaints from the public very seriously, and the force is committed to making sure that complaints as defined under this legislation are recorded appropriately, investigated thoroughly and an appropriate explanation is sent to the person who has complained."

Councillor Iain Whyte, convener of the police board, said: "If an officer has done something wrong, or something criminal, then robust action is taken.

"But I'm pleased that only a small proportion of overall complaints are proved, which shows the vast majority of officers are behaving very well."