COMPLAINTS against North Yorkshire Police, including claims of poor investigative work, incivility and neglect of duty, have almost doubled, according to new figures.

The force recorded 89 allegations in the three months leading up to December 31, last year, compared with 46 for the same period in 2003.

But police chiefs said the increase was due to better complaint-recording standards and officers working harder to resolve complaints quickly and locally.

They also argue that it is unfair to compare figures collected before new recording standards were brought in last year, because these have increased the number of complaints recorded for all forces.

In a report, Chief Constable Della Cannings stressed that only three complaints were substantiated, during that period, relating to only two officers who have both received warnings.

She said that, of the 247 complaints recorded since April 1, 2004, at least 32 cases (13 per cent) were made by people who were facing criminal proceedings.

She said: "The increase in recorded cases is in excess of authoritative predictions and is believed to be a reflection of the benefit of training which has contributed to an increased awareness of complaint recording and local resolution procedures amongst first line supervisors."

According to a North Yorkshire Police Authority document, allegations included:

A claim that a mother was not allowed to be present when police officers spoke to her child at school

Two allegations that an officer failed to identify himself or inform the complainant of the reason for his arrest

Eleven claims that officers failed to properly or impartially investigate an incident or reported crime

A total of 24 complaints that an officer or member of police staff refused to carry out an expected action.

At a meeting next Wednesday, elected police authority members will hear that five officers have received superintendents' written warnings.

Those warned included an officer who behaved badly during a domestic dispute, someone who improperly disclosed information and another who failed to pass on information about a missing person inquiry.

On December 31 last year, one officer remained suspended from duty and another, who was the subject of a discipline investigation, was on restricted duties.

The current average complaint investigation time is 64 days, well below the national target average investigation time of 120 days.

Since April 1 last year, 37 complaints have been made in North Yorkshire's central area (24 per cent), 61 in the eastern area (40 per cent) and 56 in the western area (36 per cent).

Updated: 10:20 Saturday, January 22, 2005