GMP second in country for sexual misconduct complaints
GMP had the second highest number of complaints of sexual misconduct by officers in the country, according to a watchdog.
There were 20 such allegations made against officers by the public.
The incidents were not assaults but misconduct which did not meet the threshold of criminality.
This can include abuse of powers for sexual purposes – for example befriending a victim of domestic violence and having an inappropriate relationship – which can lead to misconduct hearings and dismissal. The highest was 31 in the Metropolitan force. In Cheshire there was one case.
In total from April 2020 to April 2021 there were 2,161 complaints logged against GMP by the public, which involved 3,581 allegations. This represents 189 complaints per 1,000 employees. The force has 11,406 employees.
This was lower than comparable forces. In the West Midlands there were 4,102 complaints and in West Yorkshire, 3,234.
GMP took an average of five days to log complaints and four days to contact complainants.
The figures were published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct in its annual Police Complaints Statistics report for England and Wales 2020/21.
The allegations against GMP break down as: Complaints regarding delivery of duty, 1,516; police powers and procedure, 780; handling of or damage to property, 116; access or disclosure of information, 94; use of police vehicles, 20; discriminatory behaviour, 191; abuse position, corruption, 41; individual behaviour, 721; sexual conduct 20; discreditable conduct 64; other, 18.
Cheshire Constabulary logged 1,719 complaints involving 2,331 allegations. The equivalent of 430 per 1000 employees – it has 4000 employees.
Nationally the totals for all the forces in England and Wales were 67,732 complaints and 109,151 allegations.
Det Chief Supt John Chadwick, head of Professional Standards Branch at GMP, said: “We welcome being held to account and expect anyone who receives a service that breaches our moral and professional standards to report it to our Professional Standards Branch – where it will be dealt with thoroughly – or the IOPC.
‘‘Where misconduct is found, we will take robust action to preserve a force that predominantly comprises thousands of officers and staff who carry out their duties respectfully to protect the public and prevent crime. Any abuse of position for sexual purpose is absolutely unacceptable. Greater Manchester Police is the second largest force in the country, and we will not stand for any behaviour which does not reflect the high level of professionalism and integrity we expect of our officers.”