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The Independent Police Complaints Commission 2010/11 Annual Report has today been laid before parliament.

The report shows a strong performance by the organisation with more independent investigations being started and completed more quickly, along with improved performance in the handling of appeals and direct complaints by caseworkers.

This improved performance is the result of a restructuring that has taken place in the last few years to create a flexible organisation better able to respond to demands. In addition money saved through the reduction in the number of senior posts and through new IT and accommodation contracts has been invested in employing more caseworkers and investigators.

Key performance information includes:

• 164 independent investigations started and 154 completed, up from 106 and 101 respectively in 2009/10

• On average independent and managed investigations were completed in 164 working days - eight weeks shorter than the previous year’s average.

• 71 managed investigations started and 171 completed, compared to 151 and 124 respectively in 2009/10

• Despite receiving 6,307 appeals last year (up 13%), approximately 600 outstanding appeals were completed meaning a backlog no longer exists.

Chief Executive Jane Furniss said:

“The last year has provided a number of challenges for the IPCC, from the intense scrutiny that accompanies high profiles cases, the departure of our founding Chair through to the continued need to assess the organisation’s work in the context of the current financial climate. I am therefore particularly pleased that our performance has gone from strength to strength.

“We are now undertaking more independent investigations and completing them more quickly, to the benefit of all of those who are involved; be they families, complainants or officers. This means we are now able to do more independent investigations into the types of incidents that are of serious concern to the public.

In the coming year the IPCC will continue to prepare for changes to the system contained in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill. These changes include reduction in bureaucracy and responsibility for investigating serious criminal allegations involving Police and Crime Commissioners.

In September IPCC Interim Chair Len Jackson will step down after spending more than a year in the role since the departure of Nick Hardwick and a new Chair will be appointed. Jane paid tribute to Len’s contribution to the organisation, she said:

“This is Len’s last year as a Commissioner; I have very much appreciated his leadership and support as interim chair during the period that followed the departure of Nick Hardwick. I know that Len will be missed by the IPCC and many associated with our work to improve the police complaints system. We hope that the new Chair for the IPCC will be announced very shortly.”