Three Kent Police officers mocked foreign members of the public by putting on fake accents in meetings at a station, it was claimed.

The trio - a sergeant, constable and PCSO - were also said to have made "inappropriate" comments about the group's nationality in Shepway.

It was one of a series of complaints of alleged racial discrimination made against county officers in the last three years, according to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

Another complainant alleged two constables failed to properly investigate a crash in Maidstone because they were prejudiced to the ethnicity of one of the drivers.

Kent Police revealed that since 2010, 16 allegations of racism against its officers had been "substantiated" after an investigation.

All these cases were "locally resolved", which is when the force's professional standards department deems the complaint – even if proved – would not justify criminal or disciplinary proceedings.

Cases can be dealt with in this way by police providing an explanation for the behaviour, giving an apology, outlining any action taken to resolve it or changing policy or procedure.

Other "substantiated" complaints of racism made against officers included claims:

• a constable made a member of the public feel persecuted because they were a traveller
• a child was stopped and searched in Medway because of their skin colour
• two officers in Medway took the side of the other party in a dispute because of their ethnicity
• an officer dealing with a speeding driver was rude and aggressive because of their skin colour
• a driver was fined for speeding because an officer was prejudiced against their ethnicity
• a constable in Tonbridge and Malling was abusive by using racially-motivated language
• a constable in Gravesham called a complainant a liar because of their ethnicity
• a driver was made to feel uncomfortable due to their ethnicity when stopped by an officer in Canterbury

DCI Rachel Ireland, of Kent Police's professional standards department, said: "The number of substantiated complaints is very low, however even if only one complaint had been received, we would consider it to be one too many.

"The force expects the absolute highest of standards to be met by officers serving the community and we take allegations of racism and all discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously."

She added: "All allegations of discriminatory behaviour are referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

"They may decide to investigate the matter, supervise our own investigation or ask to be kept updated with the outcome. Once a complaint is received it is investigated or overseen by our Professional Standards Department.

"Sometimes, people are unhappy with the way they have been dealt with and perceive they are treated in a way because of their ethnicity.

"Once the circumstances are fully explored, and the reason for the police interaction is explained, they understand that this was not the case. It is often this type of complaint that is 'locally resolved'.

"If allegations are made of discrimination and are proven, officers and staff would face disciplinary proceedings which could result in a range of sanctions including dismissal.

"No officer is above the law and the vast majority of Kent Police Officers carry out their duties with the utmost professionalism.

"Those who fail to meet the high standards expected of them will be dealt with appropriately."

The force said it could not provide details of allegations of racism recorded as unsubstantiated, not upheld or ongoing.