Since 2005, the number of complaints received about Worthing police officers, including instances of oppressive behaviour and failures in duty, has continually increased – with a massive 145 per cent increase between 2006 and 2008.

The Herald obtained the figures for Worthing after it was revealed Sussex Police received the greatest increase in complaints between 2007 and 2008 out of any police force in England and Wales.

Complaints

Data published by the Independent Police Complaints Commission shows an 81 per cent increase in the number of complaints made about officers working for Sussex Police.

• In 2006/07, a total of 428 complaints were received for Sussex, 35 of those complaints related to Worthing police.

• In 2007/08, the Worthing force received 86 complaints out of 774 complaints for the Sussex division as a whole.

This equates to a 145 per cent increase in the number of complaints Worthing police received between 2006 and 2008.

• In 2006/07, there was a 16.6 per cent increase in the number of complaints received compared to 2005/06.

Not the highest

Peter Bottomley, MP for Worthing West, was not prepared to comment on the growing figures, but said: "If people want to criticise, complain or praise, then they should.

"What I want to do is to reiterate that police officers in general, often at great risk to themselves, have to deal with the ugly, awful and frightening side of life without hesitation."

Justifying the county figures, Sussex Police emphasised its 81 per cent increase did not mean Sussex received the highest number of complaints out of all forces.

A statement said: "The Sussex figures show an increase from a low base and bring Sussex broadly into line with the general level of complaints nationwide.

Worthing police is one of 15 forces that make up Sussex Police.

Within that, there are five divisions including West Downs, which Worthing is part of.

The figures

• The complaints received are split into six main categories – oppressive behaviour, discriminatory behaviour, malpractice, failures in duty, incivility and other.

• Failures in duty includes neglect of duty, particularly in the areas of failing to investigate a crime properly, or failing to keep victims updated. Sussex Police is now enhancing the way victims are updated which should reduce the levels of complaints in this category.

• Oppressive behaviour complaints can arise from low-level non-injury assaults, often when a complainant has been non- compliant with a police officer in a confrontational situation.

• Incivility, impoliteness and intolerance are other areas where complaints arise from confrontational and arrest situations.

Click here to see a table of complaint figures.

What do you think?

What positive or negative experiences have you had with police?

Share your views, comment below, email the Herald or write in to Readers' Letters, Worthing Herald series, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA.

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