Police accused of misconduct in force

We rely on them to protect us from criminals – but a minority of the county’s police officers are themselves displaying some of the most serious types of misbehaviour.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Sep 2014, 11:00 BST
Lancashire policeLancashire police
Lancashire police

A Freedom of Information request revealed that county officers have been accused of making racist comments, both on Facebook and in person.

One officer was allegedly caught in the red light district soliciting prostitutes, while others were accused of theft and domestic violence.

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And still more officers were accused of misusing police resources, such as accessing police data.

A police spokesman said: “We are resolute in our commitment to deal with anyone in the organisation who does not keep to the high standards expected of them and which the vast majority of our staff adhere to on a daily basis.

“When police officer or police staff behaviour falls below the expected standards we will ensure all appropriate action is taken to ensure that staff member is dealt with.”

Other allegations between 2011 and 2014 include the misuse of police systems, an officer having an inappropriate relationship with a someone with a criminal background, an officer engaging in a relationship with a vulnerable person, disclosing information to a family member following misuse of systems and an allegation that cheques payable to a victim of crime were paid into an officer’s bank account.

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Today Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commission Clive Grunshaw said: “I expect all police officers to maintain the highest standards at all times.

“They have an important role serving Lancashire’s residents and all officers have a duty to perform that to the best of their abilities.

“I know Lancashire Constabulary does not tolerate misconduct and I am confident there are robust procedures in place for dealing with officers whose conduct falls below what is expected.”

Rachel Baines, chairman of Lancashire Police Federation, said: “The Police Federation supports officers who are under investigation, but, like everybody else in the organisation, if people have committed serious offences they shouldn’t be police officers.”

For more on this story pick up a copy of today’s Lancashire Evening Post or download our tablet app here

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