NCJ Number
181342
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report provides data on complaints and discipline charges against police officers in England and Wales for the period April 1, 1998, to March 31, 1999; complaints against civilian staff and traffic wardens are not included.
Abstract
A total of 20,300 complaints were received by the police, 8 percent fewer than in 1997-98. Thirty-five percent of the complaints dealt with in 1998-99 were informally resolved, and an additional 36 percent were withdrawn or dismissed for various reasons. A total of 9,202 complaints required investigation, 6 percent less than the previous year. A total of 745 complaints were substantiated, 12 percent fewer than in the previous year. The number of complaints substantiated was 8 percent of those investigated. Nearly half involved a failure in duty, and 30 percent concerned oppressive behavior. Disciplinary charges were proved against 476 officers, resulting in 124 officers being dismissed or required to resign. Nearly one-fourth of the disciplinary charges related to complaints by the public. Under section 37 of the Police Act 1964, as amended by section 103 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, a police officer who is punished by his chief officer for a disciplinary offense has the right to appeal to the Home Secretary against the finding or punishment, or both. In 1998-99, 89 appeals were referred to appeals tribunals. Thirteen appeals resulted in a variation of punishment and 12 appeals against findings of guilt were allowed. 12 tables and 5 figures