Allegations of Sexual Assault Against Serving Police Officers

Over the last five years, numerous allegations of sexual assault have been made against serving male officers in Gloucestershire, Avon and Somerset, and Wiltshire Police forces. The allegations come as Prime Minister Boris Johnson highlights the need to restore women's confidence in police after the kidnap, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer. In response to Freedom of Information Act requests, Gloucestershire Constabulary revealed seven sexual assault complaints against male officers between 2016 and 2020, while Avon and Somerset Constabulary reported twelve such complaints, and Wiltshire Police reported six.

Key Takeaways:

• Between 2016 and 2020, Gloucestershire Constabulary received seven complaints of sexual assault against male officers, with one resulting in a written warning and another in management action.
• Of the complaints in Gloucestershire, four were not founded, with three resulting in "no case to answer" and one in "acceptable service".
• Avon and Somerset Constabulary reported twelve sexual assault complaints against male officers, with one case resulting in a dismissal and seven being not upheld.
• Wiltshire Police reported six sexual assault complaints against male officers, with four not leading to further action and two resulting in victims not pursuing the cases.
• The national picture shows most claims over five years related to male officers, with few facing "meaningful consequences" for violence against women and girls.
• The Prime Minister has called for a change in the culture of policing, and the Home Secretary has launched an independent inquiry into systemic failures by police following the murder of Sarah Everard.

Statistics:

• Between 2016 and 2020, 7 complaints of sexual assault were made against male Gloucestershire Constabulary officers.
• Of these, 4 were not founded, and 3 resulted in "no case to answer".
• 5 of the complaints in Gloucestershire came from colleagues, while 2 came from members of the public.
• Between 2016 and 2020, 12 complaints of sexual assault were made against male Avon and Somerset Constabulary officers, with 1 resulting in a dismissal and 7 being not upheld.
• 15 officers were involved in the complaints in Avon and Somerset, with 11 being male and 2 female and 2 being unidentified.
• Between 2016 and 2020, 5 members of the public made complaints of sexual assault against Wiltshire Police officers.
• 1 complaint against a Wiltshire Police officer resulted in a case to answer and the officer's dismissal.

Sources:

• RADAR (undated)
• Gloucestershire Constabulary (2016-2020)
• Avon and Somerset Constabulary (2016-2020)
• Wiltshire Police (2016-2020)
• The End Violence Against Women Coalition (undated)
• Independent Office for Police Conduct (undated)
• Home Office (2021)