COMPLAINTS and accusations against police officers in North Yorkshire have soared, leading to force chiefs to implement training sessions in a bid to drive down the number of gripes.

Figures, revealed in a meeting of the North Yorkshire Police Authority, show a 20 per cent increase in cases and 25 per cent increase in allegations against the force between April and June this year compared with the same period in 2009.

The figures also saw more claims of oppressive conduct, unlawful detention, lack of fairness and impartiality and failures of duty received by North Yorkshire Police than in the previous three months. Failures of duty and incivility continue to be the most frequent category of allegations made against the force.

The largest proportions of allegations were recorded against police officers, while the number of complaints recorded against PCSOs fell by 60 per cent in comparison with the same quarter of last year.

Scarborough and Ryedale made up the greatest proportion of allegations recorded, with 62 allegations in the latest quarter.

The report said 14 police staff disciplinary cases were opened between April and June. Five people resigned before the outcome of the process, four got first written warnings and one got a final written warning.

A force spokesperson said there will be training sessions taking place in September specifically designed to improve the communication skills of officers and staff and to reduce the levels of complaints of incivility and failures of duty.

However, allegations of assault by officers and staff have dropped by 44 per cent in comparison with the same period last year.

A spokesperson said: “This is a welcome return to the very low levels which the PSD has previously reported and is an indication of the effectiveness of the excellent use of force and personal protection training which North Yorkshire Police gives to all of its officers.”

The report showed that officers, support staff and special constables also got 17 commendations, four certificates of merit and one certificate of appreciation during this period.