COMPLAINTS against Suffolk police have been slashed by more than 20%, new figures have revealed.

Statistics from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) show the number of people unhappy with officers in 2011/12 fell to 261, compared to 336 the previous year.

The number of specific allegations contained within the complaints also decreased to 475 in comparison to 745 in the same period. Complaints have related to officers neglecting their duty, impoliteness and of assault.

There were 838 complaints against Essex Police – a drop of around 5% compared to 880 the previous year.

Superintendent Louisa Pepper, of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Professional Standards Department, said the force has welcomed the report relating to complains received and completed to the end of March 2012.

“In considering the appeals data, Suffolk police have reviewed and reflected on the reasons that the appeals have been upheld,” she added.

“Organisationally we are always willing to develop and learn and have therefore incorporated much of the IPCC feedback into the training of our investigative team.

“Norfolk and Suffolk Professional Standards Department have developed a quality assurance framework, which is now a fully embedded ethos within the department.

“I am confident that with these measures in place, our performance will improve over the next year.”

In England and Wales, 30,143 people complained about the police – a 9% reduction on 2010/11.

IPCC Commissioner Sarah Green said: “The proportion of appeals against Suffolk police being upheld by the IPCC is higher than the national result and I would encourage the force to examine this further to see whether they can improve complainant satisfaction about the way complaints are being handled.”