THE number of complaints made against Cheshire Police has risen with hundreds recorded in 2014 to 2015.

In Cheshire, there were 579 complaints in total – a 2 per cent increase on the year before. 

The total number of appeals made by dissatisfied complainants was 119 - a 7 per cent decrease on the previous year. 

These figures have been uncovered by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) following the publication of the national police complaints statistics. 

As the number of complaints made increases, there remains marked differences in the way police forces across England and Wales handle complaints with more people dissatisfied with the way their complaint has been handled. 

In 2014 to 2015, there were more than 37,000 complaints made – a 6 per cent overall increase on the year before. 

At the same time, the total number of appeals made by dissatisfied complainants increased by 7 per cent. 

Dame Anne Owers, chairman of the IPCC, said a closer examination on the systems in place are needed.

She said: “The figures for England and Wales show a complaints system that is both over-complex and inconsistent, and is clearly failing to satisfy a significant number of complainants. 

"Chief officers and police and crime commissioners should look closely at the figures for their own forces to satisfy themselves that complainants are being treated fairly and well. 

“However, 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 nor those who have to operate it.” 

The report also revealed that on average, it took 93 days for Cheshire Police to resolve a complaint. 

The IPCC upheld 38 per cent of appeals made about Cheshire Constabulary complaint investigations. 

Head of Cheshire Police Professional Standards Department Superintendent Nick Bailey said: "The ability and willingness of the public to express dissatisfaction where they believe the standards of service have fallen below expectations is vitally important to us to assist us to focus on putting matters right when they do occasionally go wrong.

“The overwhelming majority of officers and staff do a highly professional job each and every day, and understanding why and how often complaints are made helps to improve our collective performance.

"We continue to work closely with the IPCC to provide reassurance and strive to meet the needs of complainants while being fair to officers and staff, and to ensure those whose conduct sometimes falls below expectations are rightly held to account."