POLICE work is often high-pressure and can be charged with tension and violence.

Officers have to deal with tense situations, from handling the dregs of society to dealing with ordinary people caught up in an incident. They have to be firm and this can require taking a no-nonsense approach. But they must not step over the line.

That is why a 21 per cent increase in the number of complaints against North Yorkshire police is alarming.

In the year to March 31, there were 392 complaints made against the county's police officers and staff. That was against 324 the previous year. But allegations of assault or excessive force fell from 22 per cent to 12 per cent.

We live in a complaining society. People are quicker than ever to complain.

Businesses consider customer care to be vital - something which is also important for our police to maintain their relationship with the public. It is crucial that the North Yorkshire force's frontline officers are seen to be acting properly and responding quickly to calls from the public.

It is paramount that when a complaint is substantiated, the force is seen to deal with the offending officer swiftly and firmly.

Only 17 of the complaints in the past 12 months were substantiated and 12 officers were given a superintendent's written warning, while 42 were given verbal warnings.

On the other hand, the public sent nearly 300 letters of appreciation and the force has been commended for good practice in dealing with complaints.

It can be said that 17 substantiated complaints are 17 too many. Let's look for an improvement in the coming year.

Updated: 09:59 Monday, April 17, 2006