Rudeness, intolerance and failure to do their duty were among complaints levelled at Kent officers in the last 12 months.

Kent Police has seen a 25% increase in complaints in 2013/14, compared to 2012/13; the national average increase for England and Wales is just 15%.

The rise follows an increase of 30% in the force’s recorded complaints in 2012/13.

The increase is partly due to the inclusion for the first time of complaints made against the force as a whole, rather than just individual officers.

According to the figures released by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, a total of 1,533 allegations were made against Kent Police in 2013/2014, 658 of which were investigated, with 119 (equating to 18%) substantiated.

Complaints are investigated by Kent Police, or by the IPCC, and people have the right to appeal the result.

The IPCC upheld 43% of appeals from the public against Kent Police, compared with 11% upheld by the force itself.

The overall uphold rate by police forces in England and Wales is 20%, compared with 46% by the IPCC.

Kent Police is currently trialling body worn cameras which it says will help to reduce complaints.

Spokesman Glenn Pearson said: "Kent Police received more than 800,000 calls for police assistance from the public we serve in 2014, and there are many tens of thousands of other personal interactions with the public each and every day.

"Our officers are often faced with confrontational situations and we handle the vast majority with the utmost professionalism.

"Whilst the numbers are proportionately small, we recognise one complaint upheld is too many and our officers continue to work hard to ensure we are providing the very best service possible for the people of Kent."

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