Sexual misconduct in police officers: development of a risk assessment tool for the early identification of police officers and staff who abuse their positions for a sexual purpose.

Abstract

Sexual misconduct in police officers (PSM) is a form of police corruption which although rare, has a detrimental impact on police reputation and adverse outcomes for victims. PSM often involves targeting of vulnerable people and officers abusing the authority of their role for sexual gain. Colleagues may be targeted in the form of sexualised language and behaviour. The National Police Chief’s Council of England and Wales (NPCC) has requested an evidence based risk assessment tool for the identification of officers involved in PSM. This thesis therefore sought to identify potential risk factors and also to understand the individual, organisational and cultural factors linked to PSM. Chapter 2 identified eight types of PSM in England and Wales and found that misconduct hearing outcomes were inconsistent. Chapters 3 and 4 explored case studies and identified two styles of victim approach and selection – predatory shark officers and exploratory fishermen. Chapter 5 explored barriers to reporting, finding that external targeting is perceived by police officers to be more serious and more likely to be reported than internal targeting. In Chapters 6 & 7, police trainers experiences of sexual misconduct in recruits were explored, finding that PSM can occur within the early stages of officers’ careers. Chapter 8 examined behavioural, personal, and service characteristics of officers involved in PSM and identified factors which increase the risk of engagement. Officers with certain characteristics were also found to make purposeful selections of victims with specific vulnerabilities. This thesis has identified potential risk factors for engagement in PSM in new recruits and established officers. The findings suggest evidence to support individual differences in officers who target external victims combined with manipulation of the working environment to avoid detection. Organisational issues and evidence of internal sexual misconduct suggests that the culture of the police needs reform to successfully address PSM.