Norfolk police officers face sex and domestic abuse claims

Inquiries into 10 alleged cases of sexual abuse and three incidents of domestic violence involving officers and staff are being undertaken by the force’s professional standards department. 

Chief constable Paul Sanford said the allegations cover a “range of different behaviours and suspected offences” and include “offending on varying scales”.

The officers under investigation have been placed on restricted duties and in roles where they will no longer deal directly with the public. 

Norfolk chief constable Paul Sanford said the investigations were being undertaken 'without fear or favour' (Image: Jason Bye)

It comes amid fears that public confidence in the policing has been shaken by cases involving Metropolitan Police officers including David Carrick who last month admitted dozens of rape and sexual offences against 12 women.

“This has done untold damage to public confidence and trust in policing across the board but I think particularly with women and I fear there will be further cases that make headlines,” said Mr Sanford. 

All police forces have been told to check serving officers against national crime databases to help identify anyone who has “slipped through the net” before vetting standards were toughened.

Norfolk police employs about 3,300 people including officers, special constables and staff.

Norfolk Constabulary dismissed five officers for misconduct over three years (Image: Newsquest)

Figures show in the first six months of last year its professional standards department completed 17 misconduct investigations.

Five officers have been sacked in the last three years following inquiries.

Mr Sanford told an accountability meeting held by the police and crime commissioner extra resources were being put into vetting.

“I have dismissed officers for horrendous acts and I know the damage that those acts have caused to our communities,” he said.

“The one thing I hope is that there is a recognition in all of those cases that it has been us that has found the conduct because we do not want these people in our constabulary.”