Solicitor calls for tougher standards as Norfolk Police investigate sexual abuse claims
Norfolk Police are investigating three claims of domestic violence and 10 of sexual abuse against a number of officers
Last updated 6th Mar 2023
A solicitor who supports victims of abuse is calling for the law to come down harder on those who commit offences whilst working in public office.
It comes as Norfolk Police investigate three claims of domestic violence and 10 of sexual abuse against a number of officers who are currently on restricted duties.
"Parliament needs to accept that if the state doesn't do it's job properly"
Alan Collins is partner in the abuse team at Hugh James Solicitors:
"Parliament needs to accept that if the state doesn't do it's job properly, then the institutions of it, be that Police, probation or whoever, need to be accountable to that victim if they have not functioned as they should and this has caused the victim harm."
"If there are problems or there is a history- this is picked up and dealt with"
He told us why change is needed:
"So that you have proper vetting before the officer is recruited and you have on-going monitoring, so you re-check every year or two years to ensure that everything is okay. In that if there are problems or there is a history- this is picked up and dealt with.
"It is very difficult if they police officers mess up, and a victim suffers as a consequence, to hold the Police liable for the harm that they then suffer. It's only in a very limited circumstances that a victim can hold the Police liable if they do not do what they are supposed to do.
"Somehow or another, vetting and monitoring is not how it should be. If all this was as robust as we expected it to be, and it should be, then these offenders would have been picked up and removed. While a lot of misery, trauma and tragedy would be avoided."
What have Norfolk Police said?
Norfolk Police say they expect the highest standards and upmost professionalism from their officers.
They say they have the right vetting processes in place to take swift, impartial and robust action themselves, without the need for outside intervention.