Serving police officers have been found guilty of unjustified questioning or surveillance, failure in duty and rudeness to the public after internal investigations.

Half the 96 complaints processed by Thames Valley Police Authority over a two-month period lead to disciplinary proceedings, or were dealt with internally between officers and the complainant.

The authority's complaints and professional standards committee found four officers guilty of "incivility, impoliteness and intolerance to the public".

This ranged from failing to treat the public with respect, to discrimination or victimisation.

One officer was found guilty of "oppressive conduct" - unjustified questioning or surveillance - and another for "irregularity in procedure".

A complaint of "failure in duty", or failing to be courteous and diligent in performance of duty, was also found to be substantiated.

A further 48 complaints were dealt with internally between police and the complainant and went no further.

Two special constables resigned before misconduct hearings.

Police would not reveal where in the Thames Valley region the officers were serving or their rank - but said none of the substantiated complaints led to criminal or misconduct hearings.

Chief Supt Michael Tighe, head of professional standards at Thames Valley Police, said revealing details about the complaints would compromise anonymity of officers provided in the Independent Police Complaints Commission guidelines.

He added: "The force takes all complaints seriously and fully investigates each complaint made. Complaints can range in severity from allegations of an officer being rude to a member of the public to allegations of serious assault.

"Thames Valley Police Authority also has access to the details of all complaints.

"The authority play an overview and scrutiny role, ensuring the correct complaints process is always adhered to."

All seven officers found guilty of misconduct were disciplined by higher ranked officers and remain in the job.

The figures published by Thames Valley Police Authority's show 96 complaints were processed in December and January.

The complaints and professional standards committee ruled six cases were substantiated, 26 were not substantiated, 46 cases were dealt with internally, seven were withdrawn, two derecorded and nine passed to the IPCC.