* The police received 18,911 cases of complaint (against themselves) in the 12 months to March 2001, a fall of 10 per cent over the previous twelve months. This follows a 3 per cent rise in the 12 months to March 2000.

* Thirty four per cent of complaints dealt with in the 12 months to March 2001 were informally resolved and 34 per cent were withdrawn or dispensed with.

* A total of 9,842 complaints required investigation in the 12 months to March 2001, an increase of 22 per cent over the previous 12 months. This follows a 13 per cent fall in the 12 months to March 2000.

* A total of 903 complaints were substantiated in the 12 months to March 2001, representing 9 per cent of all complaints investigated. More than half involved a failure in duty and around a quarter concerned oppressive behaviour

* Disciplinary/misconduct charges were proved against 1,202 officers in the 12 months to March 2001. As a result 125 officers were dismissed or required to resign, an increase of 9 per cent over the previous 12 months. 291 officers warranted a fine, reprimand or caution and 760 officers received written warnings.

Full report at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs/hosb2101.pdf