Watchdog writes to police over power abuse review
HER Majesty’s Inspector Of Constabulary (HMIC) Michael Cunningham QPM has written to Cheshire Constabulary following a national review into allegations of abuse of power for sexual purpose.
It followed the publication of a report in December 2016 that gave forces six months to devise plans for ensuring proper oversight and protection for the public.
As part of the review, assessments of each individual constabulary’s proposals took place.
Mr Cunningham said Cheshire police’s plans were ‘comprehensive’ and included steps for monitoring IT equipment. However, he warned that he could not find any indication that the force had completed a review of its counter-corruption unit.
The IPCC said it had received 320 referrals from across the country over allegations of sexual impropriety and abuse of power, 57 of which required investigation. There have been 63 since April this year.
In his letter, Mr Cunningham said: “We were pleased to find that your plans submitted in response to our recommendation were comprehensive, and also reflected the national strategy agreed at the National Police Chiefs’ Council in April of this year.
“The plans included IT systems’ monitoring capability and work to seek intelligence from those organisations that support vulnerable people
“The work on these had already commenced by the time of our review. However, we could not find evidence of a review of the capability and capacity of your counter-corruption unit.”
An IPCC spokeswoman said referrals relating to Cheshire had been deemed appropriate to be dealt with by itself.
She said: “I can confirm that the IPCC has received two referrals from Cheshire Constabulary since April 2014. One was received in 2014-15 and the other 2017-18 (year to date).
“Both were assessed by the IPCC and it was decided they should be investigated locally by the force.
“So, there are no IPCC investigations regarding this criteria.”
Anne Owers, IPCC chairwoman, said: “Police personnel who abuse their position and exploit people in vulnerable positions for sexual gratification have no place in policing.
“In some cases, victims of sexual abuse or violent crime are being approached by an officer, someone they should be able to trust, with the intention of beginning an improper relationship. This is unacceptable.
“For that reason, it is important that all allegations of sexual abuse or exploitation are referred to the IPCC to determine whether they require independent investigation. The 2016 HMIC report showed that this was not happening in a significant number of cases, despite our best efforts.
“As a result, the regulations were changed to make clear that all such cases must be referred to us.
“We have now produced guidelines to assist forces in reporting these matters. They were produced in consultation with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the College Of Policing, who have also produced their own strategy and guidance. Recently, we wrote to all forces to share our updated guidelines and to reinforce the importance of recognising and referring such cases.”