HC Deb 10 December 1997 vol 302 cc626-8W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many complaints were made against the police in Scotland; what is the ratio of the number of complaints to(a) the population of the jurisdiction, (b) the number of police officers and (c) the number investigated; how many complaints were investigated; how many investigations led to the instigation of disciplinary proceedings against officers; what is the ratio of proceedings instigated to complaints made; how many disciplinary proceedings led to disciplinary action; and what is the ratio between disciplinary action to complaints made for the last year for which figures are available. [19495]

Mr. McLeish

Information on complaints against the police is not available in the form requested. In 1996–97, however, there were 1,333 complaint cases (which may involve more than one complaint) against the police in Scotland. The ratio of complaints cases to(a) the estimated population of Scotland is 1:3,847; (b) the number of serving police officers at 31 March 1997 is 1:11; and (c) the number investigated is 1:1 (because all complaint allegations against the police are investigated). Information held on disciplinary proceedings and disciplinary action against police officers does not, however, differentiate between those complaints cases raised during any specific year.

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