COMPLAINTS against police have dropped by 25 per cent.

The latest figures reveal that 33 complaints cases against Cheshire Police had been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission in the past 12 months.

The 25 per cent decrease includes 27 complaints automatically referred for the force's conduct and six voluntary referrals.

The complaints recorded vary from neglect of duty, incivility and assault claims.

Deputy Chief Constable Graeme Gerrard said: "Any arrest requires a certain level of force and this is where officers often have complaints of assault made against them.

"People making complaints of assault often allege that officers have gone too far.

"The reduction has dropped by 240; from 961 to 721 complaints between March 2005 to March 2006.

"The reduction in complaints is testimony to the hard work and dedication of staff and our professionalism. The figures suggest that we are improving in the way we treat victims and deal with offenders."