Complaints against police in England and Wales hit record 108,897 last year

Police complaints in England and Wales reached a record 108,897 in the year to the end of March, rising 15 per cent from the previous year and passing 100,000 for the first time. The watchdog says the increase matters, but cautions that it does not necessarily mean public dissatisfaction has risen by the same amount.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct says complaints have increased by 61 per cent since 2020-21, partly because forces record them more consistently and it is now easier to submit one, including with help from AI. Poor service accounted for 55 per cent of complaints, while matters involving police powers and policy made up 22 per cent; 5,061 complaints concerned alleged discrimination. The Metropolitan Police had the most complaints overall, at 13,920, while Cleveland recorded the highest rate per employee.