Commissioner responds to Centre for Women’s Justice claims

Allegations that Devon and Cornwall Police failed to properly investigate claims of incidents committed by its officers are of real concern for anyone trying to reinforce confidence in police, the force’s Police and Crime Commissioner has said.

The Centre for Women’s Justice claims the force failed seven women who have reported that they were subjected to sexual and physical assaults and coercive and controlling behaviour at the hands of serving or former officers.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “These allegations are abhorrent to those of us who work with policing and understand how vital it is that forces maintain the confidence of the communities they serve.

“It is vital to understand whether the appropriate steps were taken, including those steps to care for these women, direct them towards appropriate support services and advise them of the best course of action with regards to their complaints, and any reviews of the way those complaints were handled. I am reassured by the Acting Chief Constable that this work is being undertaken as a matter of urgency and am engaged with the force on this matter in my role as scrutineer.  

“I also wish to remind people that the high-quality victim services I commission are available 24 hours a day to anyone, whether or not they have reported an offence to police.”

Information on accessing services for victims of crime in Devon and Cornwall is available from Home - Victim Care Devon & Cornwall (victimcare-dc.org)