West Midlands Polices takes a year to probe complaints
West Midlands Police took an average of almost a year to investigate complaints against the force, according to a new report from an independent watchdog.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the force is the third slowest in the country when it comes to probing allegations against it, taking an average of 304 working days compared to the national average of 173 days.
The figures from 2017/18 show that Staffordshire Police takes an average of 129 working days to complete investigations into complaints.
Across the country there has been a seven per cent fall in the number of complaints against the police, although the IOPC says the figure masks 'wide discrepancies' in the way forces handle them.
WMP recorded 777 complaints – down 12 per cent on last year. However, Staffordshire Police saw complaints rise three per cent to 433.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “The number of complaints against West Midlands Police is falling and that is welcome, but more still needs to be done to improve the timeliness of addressing complaints to ensure the public continue to have confidence in the force.”
The IOPC said an 'overly complex system' meant forces differed in how they investigated complaints.
It said some were choosing to formally scrutinise most allegations, while others were going through a less formal process.
The number of allegations withdrawn or discontinued remained the same as the previous year, but again varied among forces.
Home Office reforms, which will come into effect in 2019, are expected to simplify the complaints process.
IOPC director-general Michael Lockwood said: "The handling of complaints varies a great deal and we hope that changes next year promote a culture across policing which is more consistent and transparent.
"This year's drop in recorded complaints may mean that forces are already adopting some of the changes and dealing with some less serious complaints outside the formal system.
"If complainants are satisfied with this approach, it is to be encouraged. We want police forces to view complaints as an opportunity, not as a threat."
Staffordshire Police has been contacted for a comment.
