A Welsh police force has announced that it's currently investigating more than two dozen misconduct claims relating to 24 of its staff members. North Wales Police said 13 of those cases relate to violence against women and girls and include sexual misconduct and domestic abuse.
The news follows the publishing of a report prepared by the force in light of the recent conviction and sentencing of David Carrick for multiple crimes of rape, violence against women and coercive behaviour whilst he was a serving Metropolitan Police officer.
The 49-year-old pleaded guilty to 49 offences spanning a 20-year period, including 24 counts of rape. As a result he was given a minimum jail sentence of 30 years earlier this month.
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Designed to examine the implications of the Carrick case in a local context, North Wales Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said the new report demonstrates how the force is committed to removing offending officers from its ranks. These include 1,662 police officers, 186 police community support officers, 1,201 civilian staff and 100 special constables.
It is the first Welsh force to release its report, with the remaining three due to publish theirs later this year. "Our communities rightly expect the highest standards and conduct from all our employees," said Ms Blakeman, who called Carrick's crimes "despicable and abhorrent."
She added, "We remain committed to ensuring that our systems are effective in removing officers who are simply not fit to wear the uniform. We will continue to root those officers out and remove them from our police force."
The report also looks into measures to address any reports of misconduct by officers and to safeguard the public. Policing nationally has been brought under significant scrutiny following several high-profile incidents where the integrity of those who serve in UK police forces has been brought into question.
Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin - also responsible for the report - said, "I recognise the concerns the public has around police conduct following the appalling crimes of David Carrick, which follow on from other crimes by serving officers." He cited the murder case of Sarah Everard, amongst others.
"Misogyny has no place in the police service, nor should perpetrators of abuse ever hold any office which is meant to protect others. This is why Chief Constable Blakeman has prepared this report laying out the situation in North Wales Police and to detail the provisions in place to protect the public and expose any misconduct among officers.
"As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am reassured to see how much work the Force is doing to combat misogyny. But none of us can rest on our laurels in the fight against abuse and misconduct.
We all must remain vigilant, so that the people of North Wales can have confidence in the officers and staff of the Force, whose job it is to keep us all safe and secure."
To ensure reports of inappropriate behaviour are dealt with appropriately within the organisation and that victims are supported, the Force has developed a four-day Inclusive Leadership Programme (ILP) with Durham University Business School. It is being delivered to all first and second-line supervisors and uses an evidenced-based approach to focus on the importance of inclusive and supportive leadership.
Also key to upholding the Force’s standards is the Professional Standards Department (PSD). All staff within the PSD undergo higher levels of vetting than normally expected and are suitably qualified to undertake the role. To provide appropriate scrutiny there is a quarterly PSD Scrutiny Panel which provides the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner with updates.
The PCC and North Wales Police are encouraging any victims who wish to report sexual violence or domestic abuse, but don’t feel they can contact the police, to report to the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) or the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC). These organisations will provide independent advice, advocacy and can make a third-party report on their behalf should they wish.
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