Huge rise in complaints against Sussex police

In 2007/8 there were 774 cases recorded by Sussex Police compare to 428 in the previous year- an increase of 91 per cent, according to figures released by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The three areas where the largest increases have been recorded are:

Failures in duty- such as failing to investigate a crime properaly, or not keeping victims updated

'Oppressive' behaviour- particularly minor, non-injury assault, often arising when a complainant has refused to co-operate with a police officer

Incivility, impoliteness and intolerance, again often related to confrontational and arrest situations