Home Local News Lancashire Constabulary tackles the abuse of position for a sexual purpose

Lancashire Constabulary tackles the abuse of position for a sexual purpose

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Lancashire Constabulary has been held up as a good example of a force with a comprehensive plan to tackle the abuse of position for a sexual purpose, in a report published today by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

DCC Sunita Gamblin said: “We welcome this report and we fully support the HMIC in this critical area. The Constabulary has been working hard over the past 12 months to develop and improve our ability to both prevent and detect instances of abuse of position.

Over the past two years three Police Officers have been dismissed from Lancashire Constabulary for offences of this nature and we continue to be robust in challenging and addressing behaviour of this sort.

The abuse of position for a sexual purpose by Police employees particularly against those who are most vulnerable in our society is wholly unacceptable. The public put their trust and confidence in the Police Service to support them and to offer a compassionate and consistent service, often when they are most vulnerable.

It is the role of all officers and staff to behave in an ethical and professional manner at all times and it is also important to note that the overwhelming majority of our Police Officers and Staff work tirelessly to protect the public every day.”

Our comprehensive action plan reinforces how we are taking the matter seriously and now includes a requirement for all employees to inform the force of any personal relationships formed as a result of meeting people during the course of their duties. This approach not only reinforces in the minds of officers and staff awareness of the need to think before attempting to form personal relationships, it also allows the force to give guidance to individuals and demonstrates openness on the part of the officers or members of staff reporting such relationships. At the same time, it helps forces to take swift action should unreported relationships come to light.

Any member of the public who has been affected by this issue is encouraged to report their concerns through the force website.

The full HMICFRS report can be accessed here.

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