Police Forces Failing to Suspend Officers Accused of Violence Against Women

New figures reveal that three-quarters of police officers and staff accused of violence against women are not suspended by their force, despite the allegations against them. The data, obtained by a joint investigation by Refuge and The Independent, shows that only 12 per cent of officers and staff were suspended from duties after being accused of crimes such as sexual assault and domestic violence in the Metropolitan Police. The figures also highlight a nationwide disparity in how forces respond, with some suspending nearly all officers under investigation while others suspend only a fraction.

Key Takeaways:

• 1,124 police officers and staff were accused of violence against women between May 2022 and May 2023, but only 269 were suspended.
• The joint investigation reveals that 24 per cent of police investigated for domestic abuse, sexual assault, rape, and abuse of position were suspended across England and Wales.
• Wiltshire Police suspended 83 per cent of those under investigation, while Surrey Police only suspended 10 per cent.
• In the Met, 687 police officers and staff were accused of offences involving violence against women and girls during a 12-month period, but just 84 officers and staff were suspended.
• Baroness Casey of Liverpool recommends that officers accused of violence against women should be immediately suspended pending investigation.
• Former police chief Sue Fish argues that a consistent suspension policy would give victims confidence that the process is being dealt with seriously.

Statistics:

• 1,124 police officers and staff were accused of violence against women between May 2022 and May 2023.
• 269 police officers and staff were suspended from duties after being accused of violence against women.
• 24 per cent of police investigated for domestic abuse, sexual assault, rape, and abuse of position were suspended across England and Wales.
• 83 per cent of those under investigation were suspended by Wiltshire Police.
• 10 per cent of those under investigation were suspended by Surrey Police.
• 12 per cent of officers and staff were suspended in the Metropolitan Police.
• 84 officers and staff were suspended in the Met after being accused of offences involving violence against women and girls.
• 687 police officers and staff were accused of offences involving violence against women and girls in the Met during a 12-month period.

Sources:

• The Independent
• Refuge
• The Met Police
• Baroness Louise Casey of Liverpool
• Former Police Chief Sue Fish
• Jess Phillips, shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding
• Harriet Wistrich, director of the Centre for Women's Justice
• National Police Chiefs' Council