COMPLAINTS against Lancashire police rose by more than 13 per cent this year.

A report by deputy chief constable Gerry O'Connell reveals a total of 642 allegations against police in a nine-month period last year, compared with 567 the previous period.

But a spokesman for Lancashire Police Authority's Complaints Committee said the number of serious criticisms against officers had actually fallen.

He said: "The number of serious allegations has reduced. The number of complaints and cases recorded compares favourably with forces of a similar size and population."

Handcuffs continued to cause concern among the public but criticisms were about the nature of the equipment rather than how it was used.

The spokesman said it was important to record and respond to complaints efficiently to keep the public's confidence and co-operation in tackling crime.

He said: "This involves early personal involvement with the complainant and opportunity for a prompt and satisfactory conclusion."

About 60 per cent of allegations are currently dealt with immediately.

The breakdown of grievances was: Assault 205 complaints; incivility 98; neglect of duty 72; unlawful arrest 38; oppressive conduct 67.

There were 38,966 arrests during the period - which represented one complaint in 99 arrests.

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