IPCC highlights police abuse cases
Published: 21 September 2012
- Date:
- 20 September 2012
Victims of crime are already in a vulnerable position – it's unacceptable that police officers would take advantage of their position
More than 50 cases over the last two years showed corrupt behaviour by police officers which was considered to be sexual exploitation or assault, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has found.
The watchdog's report 'Abuse of police powers to perpetrate sexual violence' called for more vetting of officers in specific situations, such as those dealing with vulnerable people, and for a code of conduct to set out the behaviour expected of officers.
Javed khan, Chief Executive of Victim Support said: "These findings are absolutely appalling. Victims of crime turn to the police for protection and help when they are already in a vulnerable position. The police's treatment of victims is crucial in helping them recover from the crime and help bring offenders to justice.
"It is unacceptable that some police officers would take advantage of their position to re-victimise a person. We commend the IPCC for having the honesty and vision to address these cases and make recommendations which we hope will translate into a strong commitment to eliminate predatory behaviour in every police force."
The report followed the case of Northumbria police officer Stephen Mitchell, who was jailed for life in 2011 for a number of serious sex attacks on women he met through his job.