A report issued by the National Police Chiefs’ Council says nine in 10 completed complaints were dropped in a six-month period across England and Wales.
In the past 12 months, three officers from West Mercia Police have been dismissed or would have been dismissed had they had not resigned, for abusing their position for sexual purposes.
This includes one officer whose behaviour was so damaging it amounted to criminal behaviour for which he was sent to prison. They have all been added to the college of policing Barred List and are banned from ever working for a UK police service ever again.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said:
“One officer abusing their position is one too many. Behind every statistic there is a victim whose life is devastated by the inappropriate behaviour of an individual who is meant to protect them.
“Police officers hold a special position in our society. This special contract between officers and the public they serve relies on consent and trust.
“Putting victims at the heart of everything I do – I expect change, I expect better. I want to reassure the communities of West Mercia, that I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure police officers uphold the standards, rightly, expected of them.”