North Wales Police conducting nearly 30 ongoing misconduct investigations, including cases of violence against women

North Wales Police has revealed there are nearly 30 ongoing investigations into the conduct of officers and staff, which includes cases relating to violence against women and girls.

The force has published a report in response to the conviction and sentencing of David Carrick, a former Metropolitan Police officer, for multiple crimes of rape, violence against women, and coercive behavior.

The report examines the implications of the case in the local context of North Wales Police, the prevalence of cases of misogyny within North Wales Police, and the measures in place to protect the public and ensure the correct vetting of officers.

The report notes that there are currently 27 conduct investigations ongoing relating to 24 individuals within North Wales Police.

This number is among the 1662 Police Officers, 186 Police Community Support Officers, 1201 Civilian Staff, and 100 Special Constables in the Force in total.

13 cases relate to violence against women and girls, including sexual misconduct and Police Perpetrated Domestic Abuse (PPDA).

The report also provides an overview of the measures to address reports of misconduct by officers, which include the four-day Inclusive Leadership Programme and the Professional Standards Department.

Andy Dunbobbin, the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, said that the report lays out the situation in North Wales Police and the provisions in place to protect the public and expose any misconduct among officers.

He said: “Misogyny has no place in the Police service, nor should perpetrators of abuse ever hold any office meant to protect others.

This is why Chief Constable Blakeman has prepared this report to detail the provisions in place to protect the public and expose any misconduct among officers.”

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman commented that the crimes of David Carrick were “despicable and abhorrent” and emphasised that the force remains committed to ensuring its systems are effective in removing officers who are not fit to wear the uniform.

She said: “The devastating effect of Carrick’s offences extends far beyond the Metropolitan Police Service and has put the public spotlight once again on policing across the UK.”

“Our communities rightly expect the highest standards and conduct from all our employees.”

She added: “There are several safe ways of reporting instances where our employees have fallen short of the standards expected of them.’

“For those victims who don’t want to report directly to the Police, please do so through other organisations, such as the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) or the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC).”

Gaynor McKeown, CEO for Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) and Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU), recognised that reporting any type of sexual abuse or domestic abuse offences can be difficult.

She has encouraged victims to contact their services for confidential and free advice and support regardless of whether they wish to report the matter to the police.

Ms McKeown said: “If you or someone you know are a victim of violence or abuse and you want support, advice or advocacy then please contact our services today.”

“You will be given confidential, free advice and support regardless of whether you wish to report the matter to police.”

“We, with North Wales Police, believe there is no place for abuse within our police force, and will work with them to stop this behaviour and bring perpetrators to justice”

To report any incidents to DASU or RASASC, members of the public should contact:

RASASC – 01248 670628 or by email: [email protected]

DASU – 01492 534705 or email them via their website: Contact Us / Refer to our Services » DASU North Wales

Read the report in full here.