An IPCC report has found that complaints filed against Lincolnshire Police have risen 14%, making it the third most complained about force in the country.
Despite a 9% drop in complaints nationally (30,143) over 2011/12, Lincolnshire Police saw a rise of 14% — 490 complaints in comparison to 430 the previous year.
It also received a higher number of allegations for 2011/12 with 767, 53 (7%) more than the previous year.
However, the speed in which it dealt with complaints is improving. Of the 490 complaints filed, 90% were dealt with in under 10 days. In 2010/11, this percentage was at 85%.
Also, of the number of allegations investigated, 96% turned out to be unsubstantiated, and 87% of those finalised by investigation were not upheld.
Despite the force’s rise in unhappy residents, the overall number of complaints and allegations filed against Lincolnshire Police is low agaisnt other forces who may have seen a drop.
Metropolitan Police received over 6,000 complaints in the last year despite a drop of 12%, while Greater Manchester, Thames Valley, Devon and Cornwall, and West Midlands Police all received over 1,000 complaints this year.
Alec Wood, Deputy Chief Constable at Lincolnshire Police, said: “We accept that there has been a 14% increase in overall complaints during the year against the national picture of a reduction of 9% but this must be read in the context that 87% of the complaints investigated were found to be to unproven following investigation.
“This is the third highest percentage of ‘Not Upheld’ complaints in England and Wales. We also have one of the lowest levels of appeals against the outcome of investigations in England and Wales.
“From the 13% of complaints that were found to be justified we have developed lessons from these for new training inputs for officers and staff and every complaint gives us an opportunity to understand and deal with the concerns of our communities and find constructive resolutions.
“We meticulously record complaints made about officers and we are satisfied that our complaint recording procedures are ethical and meet the required standard of the IPCC. We are also committed to understanding the underlying factors behind the level of complaints we receive and dealing with them effectively and efficiently.
“We have created an open and transparent process to enable people to make complaints via many different channels and take every complaint seriously learning from them and aiming to improve the level of service to Lincolnshire’s communities.
“Local resolutions are encouraged by the IPCC and are a way of dealing with complaints by solving, explaining, or settling matters directly with the complainants. Lincolnshire Police has the second highest percentage of locally resolved complaints in England and Wales with 47% locally resolved in agreement with complainants’ wishes.This is 20% above the national average, showing that we are engaging with complainants and listening to what they want.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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