By David Clegg

MORE THAN 550 complaints—including allegations of neglect of duty, assault and harassment—have been made against Tayside Police staff in the last 18 months, The Courier can reveal today.

An investigation by the paper has exposed for the first time the full extent and nature of the accusations directed at the area’s police officers.

Figures obtained under freedom of information legislation show the force investigated 558 allegations of misconduct on the part of police staff between January 1 last year and the beginning of this month.

However, only nine of the complaints eventually led to misconduct proceedings.

During the 18-month period there were 87 allegations of assault, 93 of neglect of duty and 49 cases where officers were accused of harassment.

Other alleged offences included corruption (4), unlawful arrest (32), use of excessive force (19) and discrimination (4). Less serious alleged infringements included traffic offences (23), incivility (63) and inefficient service delivery (62).

The figures also appear to suggest complaints against the force are on the rise.

Between January 1 and March 31 this year 145 complaints were made—a 50% increase on the 93 received in the equivalent period in 2007.

But last night a police spokesman stressed the “fair, objective and impartial” procedures the force has in place to deal with such complaints.

A dedicated Complaints and Conduct Unit, based in the headquarters in Bell Street, Dundee, co-ordinates the investigation of allegations made against the force and members of its staff.

If the allegation relates to the actions of an officer who was on duty the matter is reported to the independent Area Procurator Fiscal (APF) to decide what further action is required.

If the officer subject to the complaint was off duty at the time of the offence, however, the police head the inquiry themselves and pass on any evidence to the APF.

In the last financial year the unit spent £159,112 probing allegations against officers.

Of the 558 complaints received since January 1, 2007, nine led to misconduct proceedings while 35 resulted in a member of staff being given “corrective advice,” a tacit admission the staff member had fallen short of correct practice.

In 85 instances the fiscal office decided no further action was required and a further 43 were abandoned, withdrawn or found to be unsubstantiated.

The majority of the remaining complaints were resolved when an explanation of the police action was given to the complainer.

Meanwhile, 103 of the cases are still being investigated.

The police spokesman said, “Tayside Police aims to deliver the highest standards of policing to the communities it serves.

“On those occasions when our service falls short of public expectation and, indeed, what the public deserves, it is right that people make us aware of their dissatisfaction.

“This is something that we actively encourage so as to ensure that lessons are learned.

“When complaints are received, the Professional Standards Department will co-ordinate the investigation of complaints in the force, from internal as well as external sources, that allege serious breaches of conduct and discipline.

“It is essential that complaints are investigated thoroughly, fairly, impartially and objectively with a view to resolving them to the satisfaction of the complainer wherever possible.”