Police conduct under scrutiny

Nottinghamshire Police have investigated five allegations of improper relations between officers and victims or witnesses in active proceedings or at their conclusion in the past 12 months.

The figures are revealed after a request by the Advertiser under the Freedom of Information Act.

The allegations against three officers relate to improper relations/text messaging and sex on duty.

Of the five allegations, one resulted in disciplinary action and a formal written warning, one in no further action and three are with the Crown Prosecution Service awaiting a decision on whether to prosecute.

Detective Superintendent Jackie Alexander, who heads the force's Professional Standards Directorate, said: "There are currently a number of cases that remain subject to an investigation.

"The public must be able to have high levels of trust and confidence in those they turn to at times of need, and when they are at their most vulnerable.

"I would like to reassure the public that when we do receive allegations of serious, or even criminal breaches of that trust, we do take those reports seriously and conduct an effective investigation.

"We accept that in this force, like every other force, there will on occasion be some who abuse their position and, instead of protecting the vulnerable, seek to exploit them.

"We find this abhorrent and know that it undermines the good work of the overwhelming majority of those who serve the public of Nottinghamshire.

"However, our acceptance that it can happen, accompanied by our proactive approach, means that we take all allegations seriously, strive to support those who come forward, and conduct thorough and transparent investigations.

"This approach is the same regardless of how long ago an incident may have occurred."

Three other Nottinghamshire officers are facing court proceedings.

Their cases were not covered by the FOI request because the allegations against them were made more than 12 months ago.

One faces three counts of sexual touching and two counts of indecent exposure alleged to have been committed on and off duty; another is alleged to have committed sexual misconduct against six women between 2003 and 2012; and a third is alleged to have sent sexually explicit text messages and carried out sexually inappropriate behaviour against a woman between November 2011 and August 2012.