 |
|
Neighbourhood Watch - Building secure, confident communities
- text size
A A A -
tell a friend about this site - make us your homepage
- bookmark this page
- about this site
- about UK Neighbourhood Watch Trust
Resources
Beat the Burglar Home Security Guide
Any home is a potential target for burglars; some are more appealing than others and some offer themselves up with a bow that begs to be opened.
news
IPCC launches investigation into handling of PCSO sex assault claims
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating how Humberside Police handled allegations that a Police Community Support Officer had sexually assaulted a woman.
The woman claimed the PCSO had engaged in a sex act while on duty when he visited her home on 31 January 2012.
Humberside Police arrested the PCSO on suspicion of sexual assault and misconduct in a public office and made a referral to the IPCC. The IPCC decided to supervise the investigation.
However, when the PCSO resigned subsequently in early February, meaning no disciplinary proceedings could follow, the IPCC decided to end its supervision leaving the criminal investigation to progress.
The Humberside Police investigation concluded without the matter being referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration of criminal charges.
The woman expressed concerns to the IPCC about how the criminal investigation was conducted. Among her concerns she claims the incident was not investigated properly, the conclusion that she consented to the sex act was entirely wrong and she was not informed formally of the outcome.
As a result, the IPCC instructed Humberside Police to refer the matter to them for an independent investigation to be conducted.
IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long said: "This is the second recent case where allegations of sexual assault have been made against a PCSO. In the other case which was supervised by the IPCC, PCSO Gary Hastings was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
"In this case a woman has real concerns about how she was dealt with and how the investigation was conducted. I believe it is in the public interest for the IPCC to independently investigate the handling of this case so we can reassure ourselves and the public that either the police are taking such allegations seriously and investigating thoroughly or that lessons can be learned to ensure that does happen in future."
Email a friend about this article
Add your comments to this article
All
comments are fully moderated - offensive and unsuitable material will
be deleted.
more news...
Birds smuggled in suitcases found at Leeds Bradford Airport
Nine birds found in two suitcases by Border Force at Leeds Bradford Airport.
IPCC update on information from police forces relating to Jimmy Savile
The Independent Police Complaints Commission has received responses from a number of forces we have written to asking them to review all relevant material and information to establish whether there are conduct matters that should be referred to us. These forces are West Yorkshire, Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, the Metropolitan and Lancashire police forces. We await a full response from Greater Manchester Police.
more features...
How Secure Are Your Valuables?
Whether it’s a family heirloom or a cherished gift, our possessions are often worth more to us than their actual monetary value. It might be an engagement ring, or a watch which has been passed down through the generations: some things simply cannot be replaced, which makes keeping them safe all the more important.
Grants of up to £20,000 available for disabled people who want to reach an elected position
The Access to Elected Office Fund offers individual grants of between £250 and £20,000 to disabled people who want to be considered for selection as candidates for an election, or are standing for election.
Commissioner attends Gwent Neighbourhood Watch meeting
Are you gay, bisexual or straight? Bizarre question asked by police in Neighbourhood Watch survey
Your views wanted for EU review on civil and family justice
