Dozens of UK police officers disciplined over sexual contact with crime victims and witnesses

Nearly 80 police officers in 22 forces in England and Wales have faced disciplinary action for inappropriate sexual relationships or sexual contact with victims, witnesses and suspects since 2018, the Observer can reveal.

The data, obtained through freedom of information laws, shows the majority of those facing disciplinary action were dismissed or resigned before they were dismissed. However, 10 officers remained in their jobs, facing lesser sanctions such as written warnings, suspension, or management action. At least two faced criminal proceedings. Nearly all of the offending officers were men, and all but two of the victims female.

These “truly shocking figures” might be the tip of the iceberg, warned Jemima Olchawski, chief executive of the Fawcett Society women’s rights charity. “Sadly, given they are only from half of police forces in England & Wales, it’s likely that many more women have suffered harassment or abuse from serving police officers,” she said.

“There can be absolutely no room for complacency when it comes to police officers who have abused their position of power,” said Jayne Butler, the head of Rape Crisis England & Wales. “Every officer who abuses their power further erodes public trust in the police, while every force that fails to dismiss them erodes it even more.”

The findings come as police face increased scrutiny over reports of inappropriate behaviour and sexual violence, with the Metropolitan police in particular facing numerous allegations.

Last month David Carrick was sentenced to life after pleading guilty to dozens of rapes committed while he was a serving Met police officer. Wayne Couzens, who used his police badge to abduct, rape and murder Sarah Everard in 2021, is serving a full life sentence.

The Met declined to respond to the freedom of information request, along with seven other forces.

Of the 22 forces that provided data on disciplinary action, Avon and Somerset police recorded the highest number of incidents. Seven officers were dismissed following disciplinary action for inappropriate sexual contact, and one received a final written warning. A further five officers resigned or retired before they could be dismissed.

Charlie is a survivor of domestic abuse who contacted Avon and Somerset police in 2019. She posted her story on the campaign group Police Me Too’s website, explaining how one of the two attending officers “continued to text me and kept complimenting me, asking what gym I went to … He interfered with my ex, calling him to try and ‘mediate’ as a way of trying to maintain contact with me and get me to like him”.

The officer was disciplined and given a final warning. Charlie said the interactions left her with suicidal thoughts and feelings, at a time when she was already vulnerable.

“Women come into contact with the police at moments of incredible vulnerability and trauma – exploiting those moments and abusing power heaps further pain on to those experiences,” said Olchawski.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police told the Observer that “tackling sexual misconduct and abuse of position for a sexual purpose are priorities ... as we fully recognise the damage such cases do to the public’s trust and confidence in us”. Ten more officers have been referred for sexual misconduct since the force launched a campaign to tackle inappropriate behaviour last October.

West Yorkshire police disciplined eight officers for inappropriate sexual contact or relationships with women – including five victims, two witnesses and one suspect. All were dismissed or resigned before they could be dismissed. “Where conduct falls below the high standards expected by the force it is important for the public to know that they will be dealt with,” said chief superintendent Nicola Bryar. The force confirmed it continues with a misconduct hearing even if an officer has resigned.

In West Mercia, one male police officer disciplined for inappropriate sexual contact with a female crime victim was given a written warning, while a second male police officer facing disciplinary action received a final written warning. Six officers in total were disciplined by the force, including one criminal sanction. Deputy chief constable Alex Murray said: “These outcomes show that we can and do take action against officers who use their powers to exploit vulnerable members of the public.”