Nearly 80 officers in 22 forces across England and Wales have faced action for inappropriate relationships, data reveals Nearly 80 police officers in 22 forces in England and Wales have faced disciplinary action for inappropriate sexual relationships or sexual contact with victims, witnesses and suspects since 2018, the Observer can reveal. The data, obtained through freedom of information laws, shows the majority of those facing disciplinary action were dismissed or resigned before they were dismissed. However, 10 officers remained in their jobs, facing lesser sanctions such as written warnings, suspension, or management action. At least two faced criminal proceedings. Nearly all of the offending officers were men, and all but two of the victims female. These “truly shocking figures” might be the tip of the iceberg, warned Jemima Olchawski, chief executive of the Fawcett Society women’s rights charity. “Sadly, given they are only from half of police forces in England & Wales, it’s likely that many more women have suffered harassment or abuse from serving police officers,” she said. “There can be absolutely no room for complacency when it comes to police officers who have abused their position of power,” said Jayne Butler, the head of Rape Crisis England & Wales. “Every officer who abuses their power further erodes public trust in the police, while every force that fails to dismiss them erodes it even more.” The findings come as police face increased scrutiny over reports of inappropriate behaviour and sexual violence, with the Metropolitan police in particular facing numerous allegations. Last month David Carrick was sentenced to life after pleading guilty to dozens of rapes committed while he was a serving Met police officer. Wayne Couzens, who used his police badge to abduct, rape and murder Sarah Everard in 2021, is serving a full life sentence. The Met declined to respond to the freedom of information request, along with seven other forces.
via guardian: Dozens of UK police officers disciplined over sexual contact with crime victims and witnesses
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