INVESTIGATIING officers' reports into complaints against the police should be disclosed to members of the public, a watchdog said today.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission also demanded that inquiries following complaints, which can take years, be speeded up.
At the end of an investigation the complainant should receive a copy of the police report.
The IPCC has asked new Home Secretary Charles Clarke to issue guidance to police forces to disclose the reports.
Chairman Nick Hardwick said: "This is about opportunities to increase public confidence, raise the confidence of police officers and police staff in handling complaints, to learn from complaints, to create an open and accessible system and respect equality and human rights."
The IPCC recommendations also encourage police forces to resolve more complaints locally rather than carrying out a formal investigation.
