Complaints levelled against police have risen by 15 per cent, the latest figures revealed today.

There were 967 complaints made against Thames Valley Police in 2007/08 according to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

This is an increase of 124 complaints from the previous year and a 91 per cent increase since 2003/04.

Thames Valley Police received the fifth highest amount of complaints in the past year out of 45 forces across England and Wales.

IPCC chairman Nick Hardwick said: "It is unacceptable that nearly half of all complaints involve neglect or rudeness."

There were 28,963 complaints made against police in 2007/08 across the country.

Chief Supt Michael Tighe, of TVP’s Professional Standards Department, said: "There are more than 8,000 officers and staff who work for Thames Valley Police and over the past year a minority of them have had complaints investigations against them carried out.

"Of the 1,423 allegations made against Thames Valley Police last year, 567 were investigated and 72 of those complaints were upheld, 108 were withdrawn and 543 were resolved locally. The remaining allegations were resolved by means of dispensation or discontinuance.

"In total, Thames Valley Police received 317 allegations per 1,000 police officers, placing the Force 24th out of the 43 police forces in England and Wales.

"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 plays an overview and scrutiny role, ensuring that the correct complaints process is always adhered to."