Violent officers will get the sack after new guideline
Policing bosses are warning that West Midlands officers who behave violently towards women or girls will lose their jobs.
The move follows a review of misconduct guidelines have been changed by the College of Policing.
Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner and Victims' Commissioner Nicky Brennan said: "It is absolutely right that police officers who are violent towards women or girls will be sacked under the new College of Policing guidance.
“There have been far too many occasions where officers who have displayed this behaviour have gone on to commit further offences. This was never clearer than in the horrifying murder of Sarah Everard by a serving Met Police officer.
“There is no place for officers who are violent towards women and girls in the police force. They should face the most severe sanctions.
“It doesn’t matter if you are on or off duty, any officer involved in violence of this kind, grooming of vulnerable victims or engaging in sexual impropriety or harassment should face the harshest penalty.”
West Midlands Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner, Tom McNeil said: “I am pleased to see the College of Policing has updated its guidance so police officers who are found guilty of being violent towards women and girls are sacked.
“The Police and Crime Commissioner recognises that women and girls are far less likely to come forward to report abuse if there is a possibility that the police officer they are reporting a crime to may also have committed abuse themselves.
“This guidance needed updating so a consistent approach can be taken across the country and so officers who commit these offences are rooted out and removed from post.
“We must do much more to protect women and girls from violence and this small, but important, step is the right thing to do.”
The Metropolitan Police faced extensive criticism following the abduction, rape and murder of 33-year-old marketing excutive Ms Everard, of Brixton Hill, London, in March last year by serving Met police officer Wayne Couzens, 49. An inquiry was launched into how Couzens was able to work as a police officer for three different forces despite concerns about his behaviour.
He was jailed handed a whole life sentence.
The College of Policing is an independent professional body.
