There has been a big rise in the number of complaints against Sussex Police.

Latest figures show there were 531 complaints during the year ending March 31, 87 more than the previous year.

In a report to the Sussex Police Authority, Deputy Chief Constable Geoff Williams said the rise had been expected as rule changes meant complaints against police force staff and special constables were now included in the total.

Mr Williams said nearly 50 per cent of complaints were unsubstantiated and a further 41 per cent were resolved informally.

Only 11 complaints were upheld by police examiners.

One involved a member of staff who included "potentially prejudicial and unnecessary subjective opinions" about the complainant in a statement.

Other complaints involved rudeness and a lack of courtesy and respect. In each case the officers concerned were disciplined by "receiving advice".

Mr Williams' report showed the majority of complaints against Sussex police officers concerned allegations of incivility or oppressive behaviour.

Fifteen complaints were made against Reliance staff who transport prisoners.

He said: "One related to oppressive behaviour, one to malpractice, seven to failures of duty and six to incivility."