COMPLAINTS against Wiltshire Police have rocketed by more than any other force in the country, bar one.

The number of recorded complaints against the force rose by almost half (46 per cent), from 489 last year, to 712 this year.

Only Staffordshire police recorded a greater increase, as they received two thirds (66 per cent) more complaints than in 2013/2014.

Complaints against Hampshire Police fell by four per cent from 968 to 926.

The average was a six per cent rise.

And Wiltshire police was among the slowest forces to respond to complaints, answering fewer than half (46 per cent) within ten working days.

Only West Midlands Police was slower, with 44 per cent.

Meanwhile, many forces, including Hampshire Police (92 per cent), answered almost all complaints promptly.

The average was 80 per cent.

Temporary Superintendent Tim Corner, Head of Professional Standards said: “During the last twelve months Wiltshire Police have continued to work hard to ensure that the public have clear and accessible routes in which they can raise complaints or concerns.

"We have a comprehensive set of values within the force which alongside the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour are the basis by which we hold our staff and officers to account for their conduct and standards.

"Investigations into complaints against the police are taken extremely seriously. We have to be satisfied that we have explored every angle both in respect of procedures and the alleged conduct of those concerned. Depending on the complexity of the matter, investigations can take varying amounts of time to conclude.

"As a Force we continue to strive to deliver a high level of service to the public and deal with any complaints we receive openly, fairly and in line with relevant legislation."