Hundreds of police accused of exploiting crime victims and other vulnerable people as report reveals 436 claims in two years
Damning probe identified 436 claims of sex abuse with 39% of allegations involving victims of domestic abuse
HUNDREDS of cops have been accused of sexually exploiting crime victims and other vulnerable people, a report says.
Watchdogs rebuked forces for failing to root out the officers abusing their power.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary was called in by then-Home Secretary Theresa May this year to investigate the extent of problem.
Its initial findings identified 436 claims of sex abuse made against cops in two years.
These involved 334 personnel — 306 police, 20 community support officers and eight staff.
HM Inspector Mike Cunningham said it was “probably likely” to be worse than the numbers reported.
RELATED STORIES
He added: “It’s the most serious form of corruption. It is an exploitation of power where the guardian becomes an abuser.” All but one force in England and Wales had at least one case.
More than a third involved domestic abuse victims. Other victims had drug or alcohol problems, some were suspects.
Less than half of cases were sent to the IPCC watchdog.