COMPLAINTS against Thames Valley Police have risen by 25 per cent in just one year.

According to data published today by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), a total of 1,305 complaints were made against the force in 2014/15, compared to 1,043 the year before.

In the same time period, more people made appeals after being dissatisfied with the way their claim had been handled.

A total of 266 people in the Thames Valley region appealed against the results of their complaint, a 30 per cent increase on the year before.

About half of complaints brought to the force's attention were investigated, and a further 36 per cent resolved through a process known as 'local resolution' in which the issue is resolved through direct contact with the complainant. On average it took Thames Valley Police 110 days, or more than three months, to resolve a complaint.

Dame Anne Owers, chairwoman of the IPCC, 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.”

Thames Valley Police have been contacted for comment.