Kent Police has seen a sharp drop in the number of complaints it gets from the public.

But more people are dissatisfied with how their complaints are dealt with, it's been revealed.

The total number of complaints has plummeted to 842, a 29% decrease on the year before, statistics published today from the Independent Police Complaints Commission show.

Despite this drop, the total number of appeals made by dissatisfied complainants was 224 in 2015/16 – a 1% rise from the previous year.

In Kent, 59% of cases were handled through investigation and 25% were dealt with through the informal local resolution process.

Less serious cases, such as rudeness, are dealt with through this local process.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Brandon said "We aim to treat everyone with fairness, respect and dignity.

"We take all complaints seriously and encourage people to contact us if they are concerned with the service they have received.

"Kent Police’s control room received more than 760,000 calls for police assistance from the public in 2015/16, and there are many tens of thousands of other personal interactions with the public each and every day.

"We are pleased that the number of complaints recorded, at 842, has reduced by 29%.

"This equates to 345 fewer complaints than the previous year.

"Kent Police also receives many letters and calls of thanks from the public commending exceptional behaviour.

"With the roll out of body worn video cameras to all officers in Kent Police it is hoped this will help resolve complaints with greater ease, and we will see a reduction in the number of malicious complaints received."