The growing problem of sexual assault within the police force
Just as the public are supposed to feel protected by the police, police officers themselves are entitled to feel protected and supported by their colleagues. However, while the police force is well known for its camaraderie and the fellowship of the ‘thin blue line’, policing is not immune to internal issues. One particularly disturbing issue that has gained attention in recent years is sexual assault within the police force, with police officers sexually abusing their colleagues. This behaviour not only undermines public trust in the police service, but also raises serious concerns about the force’s culture and lack of accountability.
In one case to hit the headlines, a Metropolitan police officer was jailed for 16 years after being convicted of eight counts of rape. Six counts were against a fellow police officer who he had been in a relationship with. Furthermore, it was reported that he held a pillow over her face and burned her with a kettle. It has been stated that the force tried to protect the male officer and did not take the female officer’s reports seriously. Another police officer reported received ‘nuisance’ messages from the same offender, but this had been dealt with informally. He then went onto rape a 16-year-old after lying about his age. It has since been reported that the offender had a string of historic sexual reports made against him, dating back to the 1990s.
There has also been a case involving a Metropolitan police Sergeant putting her hand up a junior female’s skirt at a Christmas party and sexually assaulting her. Another Metropolitan police officer was dismissed and received 16 months imprisonment after it was found that he sexually assaulted his female colleague while they were both on duty. More recently, a British Transport Police officer faced a misconduct hearing after reports that he had repeatedly sent sexual messages to a colleague of lower rank. Although none of the messages were reciprocated, the behaviour persisted.
Police officers who have been subjected to sexual assault within the police force are entitled to take legal action, and our team of experienced abuse lawyers are here to help. If you have been the victim of sexual abuse by a colleague within the police force, then please contact our legal helpline for free guidance on your options and details of No Win, No Fee funding.
Call freephone 0333 888 0419 in complete confidence or email us at [email protected]
