Of the complaints made last year 10% were upheld, according to new figures from the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A Nottinghamshire police spokesman said the figures proved that the force had a "robust" complaints recording system.

He added the police had made it easier for the public to report complaints.

Complaints 'barrier'

Det Supt Brian Beasley, head of the police's professional standards directorate, said changes had been introduced since the IPCC came into being in 2004.

"Prior to that, a member of the public would have to go into a police station to make a complaint which I think was a barrier to a lot of people. We've expanded how we take complaints now."

He said the public could now complain by e-mail or telephone.