We will not tolerate corrupt officers: it is vital that we respond swiftly and robustly to incidences of sexual misconduct

 National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead on Professional Standards and Ethics, Chief Constable Martin Jelley said:

“Police officers abusing their powers for sexual gain is wholly unacceptable. It undermines the essential trust that the public places in our service as well as the efforts of the hundreds of thousands of officers and staff who come to work to keep people safe.

"We will not tolerate corrupt officers or staff and it is vital that we respond swiftly and robustly to incidences of sexual misconduct.

“After reviews by Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in 2012, police chiefs committed to doing more to root out abusers from the service. Since then, police leaders have emphasised that this behaviour has no place in policing, made changes to vetting and supervision processes, and encouraged reporting - the majority of force investigations into abuse of powers are started in response to concerns raised by officers and staff.

"It is down to everyone in policing, regardless of rank or role, to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism as set out in the Code of Ethics and to report any colleagues who fall short of those standards.

"Professional standards departments will consider all sexual misconduct, from inappropriate language to sexual assault, on a case by case basis assessing against the Code of Ethics and the Police Conduct Regulations. We support College of Policing   guidance, out for consultation, that will help investigators determine outcomes and appropriate sanctions in police misconduct proceedings."