FEWER complaints are being made against North Yorkshire Police officers, but half of all allegations involve claims of excessive force and incivility.

New figures reveal that the number of recorded complaints has fallen by ten per cent from 207 to 187 between April 2003 and March 2004.

However, two officers have been required to resign and one was dismissed from service following discipline tribunals. Three officers are currently on back office duties while inquiries into their conduct take place.

The number of superintendents' written warnings handed to staff has almost doubled from 11 to 20, while claims of excessive force have risen slightly from 78 to 81.

In a report to North Yorkshire Police Authority, Acting Detective Inspector Ian Lemon said the number of complaints substantiated has decreased significantly from 81 to 20.

He said: "The decrease in substantiated complaints is a reflection of both the fall in allegations recorded and the proactive training input of the complaints and professional standards department."

Meanwhile, police chiefs are bracing themselves for a rise in complaints under new legislation which enables the public to make complaints against civilian "non-sworn" police staff.

Officers are already monitoring complaints about "direction and control" issues, such as policies and procedures, for the first time. A total of 336 complaints have been received since May last year.

The average investigation time has been reduced by almost half, from 208 days to 117 days, just below the national target of 120 days.

In the final quarter of 2003/2004 the average investigation time was reduced to 58 days.

Almost half (46 per cent) of all complaints are now resolved locally.

Finally, police bosses want to deal with letters of appreciation more accurately.

A total of 173 supportive letters were received from the public last year, almost half of which (82) were from the force's eastern area.

Updated: 08:19 Thursday, April 22, 2004