Sexual Misconduct Outcomes

Response

While the majority of police officers dedicate themselves to public service and keeping our communities safe, there have been too many incidents which have damaged the public’s trust and confidence in policing.

Avon and Somerset Police recognise that to repair the damage these incidents have undoubtedly caused, it must be open and transparent with the communities it serves and be clear about the decisive action taken when the conduct of its officers falls below the standards expected.

Sexual misconduct and abuse of position for sexual purpose are treated as serious corruption and the Counter Corruption Unit proactively monitors police systems to identify employees engaged in wrongful behaviour.

All reports of misconduct of any kind are fully investigated, and anyone found to have committed gross misconduct could be dismissed. In the event the misconduct is criminal they may also be prosecuted.

Outcomes of all officer misconduct hearings, the majority of which have been held in public, have been published proactively since 2017.

The data published within the first attachment is all the finalised sexual misconduct complaint and conduct allegations received relating to officers since 1 February 2020, when the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 came into force.

The data details the individual sexual misconduct complaints and conduct allegations recorded. Individual officers could be subject to more than one complaint or conduct allegation. The data will be updated every six months.

The data published within the second attachment is all the finalised sexual misconduct complaint and conduct allegations received relating to staff since 1 February 2020.  Staff proceedings are dealt with under the police staff council handbook and our local misconduct policy.