In recent years, 261 police officers or staff members have faced sexual misconduct complaints while employed by Thames Valley Police. That is no mean feat as Thames Valley Police only employed around 5000 officers if those 261 police officers were bought to task over the period of a year that would mean that more than 5% of Thames Valley Police Officers are Sex Offenders which is far more than the Nation’s population proportion.
A Thames Valley Police study indicates that 80 individuals were suspended, 70 were assigned to limited responsibilities, and 111 faced no repercussions following complaints lodged between February 2020 and the end of March.
Seventy-one police, former officers, or personnel were sanctioned subsequent to investigations. Sanctions varied from termination to introspective evaluation.
The largest non-metropolitan police force in England and Wales, Thames Valley Police commenced the publication of reports on sexual misconduct investigations inside its organisation last year and stated it will implement “decisive action” in response to claims.
Thames Valley Police said the report was “designed to be transparent with the reporting and findings of allegations of sexual misconduct to improve confidence in reporting these matters.”
The force is still investigating 46 allegations, it added.
A police officer who was not publicly named was sacked by Thames Valley Police in March after a panel found he sexually assaulted a woman at his home [WHY WAS HE NOT NAMED?].
It said it was “clear” the officer “prioritised his own sexual gratification in spite of [the woman] repeatedly saying no” in August 2023.
It said the “only proportionate and necessary outcome” was sacking him.
“We have zero tolerance to sexual misconduct and are committed to rooting out anyone who abuses their position,” a TVP spokesperson said.
“We have taken steps to make it easier to report unacceptable behaviour and introduced initiatives to support victims, including the addition of independent advisors and enhanced internal training on police standards.
“Sexual misconduct is wholly unacceptable and the increase in reports reflects the changes we have made to empower victims and hold offenders accountable for their actions.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.