2022/24784 - Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose 2019-2021

REQUEST

For the attention of Gwent Police.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire & Rescue Services (2019) states that forces can increase public trust and confidence in policing through open and honest reporting. Publishing the circumstances of cases where staff and officers have been dismissed for Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose sends a clear message that victims will be supported if they come forward. It raises awareness of this type of corruption and shows that the force is taking a robust stance.

As such, please provide the following information:

1. The total number of reports of Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose submitted to your force between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2021 inclusive.

2. The number of reports of Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose submitted to your force between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2021 inclusive that were made by members of the public.

3. The number of reports of Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose submitted to your force between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2021 inclusive that were made by police officers and staff.

4. All misconduct hearing outcomes for your force for the period 01/01/2019 to 31/12/2021 inclusive.

5. The number of police officers and staff employed by your force who were dismissed for Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2021 inclusive, and the circumstances of these cases.

6. Whether your force's policy on Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose has been revised following the sentencing of former police officer Wayne Couzens.

7. A copy of your force's current Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose policy.

8. A copy of your force's Notifiable Associations policy.

RESPONSE

1. The total number of reports of Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose submitted to your force between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2021 inclusive.

Total = 4, 3 of which are live cases

2. The number of reports of Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose submitted to your force between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2021 inclusive that were made by members of the public.

Total = 4, 3 of which are live cases

3. The number of reports of Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose submitted to your force 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2021 inclusive that were made by police officers and staff.

The abuse of position for a sexual purpose is defined as:

‘Any behaviour by a police officer or police staff member*, whether on or off duty, that takes advantage of their position as a member of the police service to misuse their position, authority or powers in order to pursue a sexual or improper emotional relationship with any member of the public’

In line with the definition - 0

4. All misconduct hearing outcomes for your force for the period 01/01/2019 to 31/12/2021 inclusive.

Dismissed Without Notice = 4

Would have been Dismissed = 7

Final Written Warning = 1

Written Warning = 1

Not Proven = 1

5. The number of police officers and staff employed by your force who were dismissed for Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2021 inclusive, and the circumstances of these cases.

None, we currently 3 live cases.

6. Whether your force's policy on Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose has been revised following the sentencing of former police officer Wayne Couzens.

No policy – NPCC Guidance on Appropriate Relationships.  Significant focus by Counter Corruption Unit (CCU) both prior to and following the above crime.

7. A copy of your force's current Abuse of Position for a Sexual Purpose policy.

As at 6 above.

8. A copy of your force’s Notifiable Associations policy.

Please see the attached PDF document.