Patel vows to protect women and tells cops: Root out abuse
PRITI Patel vowed “none of us in this room will ever let women and girls down” as she urged the police to confront “misconduct”.
The Home Secretary told the annual Police Federation conference more officers and prosecutors will target rapists, sex attackers and violent thugs who abuse women.
But she warned forces must also clamp down on a misogynistic culture.
Ms Patel said: “The rise in cases of officers misusing social media or abusing their positions of trust for sexual purposes is extremely concerning.
“It is vital officers speak up when they witness misconduct by colleagues.
“Hard-working, dedicated and decent officers, like you, are dreadfully undermined by the intolerable behaviour of the worst among them.
“Public confidence in the police could not matter more.You cannot do your jobs if consent and support break down, and I know that you want the public to feel safe and secure – indeed, that is why you chose this career.”
Crucial
Ms Patel added: “Having police officers and prosecutors with the right skills is absolutely crucial.”
Answering questions at the event in Manchester, Detective Constable Vicky Knight, with North Wales Police and in the force for 23 years, asked Ms Patel if she could “survive” on £1,200 or £1,400 a month.
She said she takes home £2,300 a month and works overtime to “make ends meet”, adding she is paid “a couple of hundred pounds a month more than the workers in McDonald’s flipping burgers”.
Ms Patel said pay and conditions is something she is “committed” to working on with the Federation.
She added: “It illustrates so powerfully why we need to find solutions to pay issues and give you the support that you deserve.”
Chief constables are to be left to decide whether specials in their force will be authorised to carry Tasers – after they have completed the same training as full-time constables and served for a minimum period.