TRAINING in politeness is being given to police recruits in a bid to cut the number of complaints against officers.

Figures released by Hampshire police show that one complaint was made by the public for every two serving police officers.

The figures for last year show a 19 per cent rise in claims of oppressive behaviour and a 21 per cent rise in allegations of failures in duty.

Chief Supt Paul Stickler, head of the professional standards department pledged to look into complaints of incivility and oppressive behaviour to identify the root of the problem.

Speaking at a meeting of Hampshire's Police authority he said that all new recruits and those undergoing training would be told how they should conduct themselves.