Independent report highlights Gwent Police complaints procedure

The latest report from the Independent Office for Police Conduct shows that Gwent Police continues to favour formal investigation as their preferred method of dealing with complaints against the force - https://policeconduct.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Documents/statistics/complaints_statistics_2018_19.pdf 

In comparison, police forces across England and Wales now handle more of their complaints through local resolution, rather than formal investigation.

Local resolution is a way of dealing with complaints by resolving, explaining or clearing up a matter directly with the complainant.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “Gwent Police believe that a formal investigation gives complainants a better service than they would have through a local resolution. However, they are not complacent and the Professional Standards Department is reviewing this approach to ensure that it is the right one for complainants.

“Local resolutions can resolve certain issues quickly, and help build direct relationships between the police and community, but ultimately it is about using the most appropriate method to resolve the complaint effectively.

“I am confident that Gwent Police’s current complaints procedure is transparent, fair, robust, and most importantly provides a good service to complainants.”