Claims Humberside police has issues with sexism and misogyny
A police woman from the force has spoken out about her experiences
Last updated 22nd Mar 2023
After a report yesterday detailed sexism and misogyny at the Met Police in London there are now claims there's are some similar issue with Humberside police too.
One serving policewoman from the force has spoken out about a culture of bullying, predatory behaviour and sexual abuse from a fellow officer.
She says she was left traumatised.
Everyone said yes - he's done it me
Sally - not her real name - claims she was coerced into a controlling relationship.
She spoke to a special Sky News investigation.
"I was sort of propositioned, you feel you're like fresh meat coming in."
"When I started to speak out about it and tell people everyone was like - yes he's done it to me."
"It was always the same officers."
I was given the cold shoulder
"If something else happened to me again I don't think I would report it."
"I was ostracized, given the cold shoulder so I would be stared at or given dirty looks."
"After he lost his job I lost count of the number of officers who came up and said - he's always been like that."
Humberside Police says it has robust processes to end misogyny.
it also says "Child sexual abuse is a deplorable and condemnable crime and we are determined to bring offenders to justice."
Humberside Police Deputy Chief Constable, Paul Anderson, said:
“Misogynistic behaviour will not be tolerated. We will not accept it and we will not stand for it.
“Anyone who fails to meet these fundamental standards has no place in Humberside Police.
“There is an existing robust process in place managed through our Professional Standards Department to put an end to any type of misogyny in our Force, and anyone who exhibits any form of misogynistic or discriminatory behaviour will be held accountable for their actions.
“Our own organisation and everyone working for us, should be completely free from subjection to objectification, lewd and sexist comments and misogynistic actions and behaviours.
"Our Chief Constable stated in his open letter which was sent to every employee within the force in January this year, that we are not immune from having our own instances of unacceptable conduct, and whilst our finalised criminal and misconduct cases are testament to our robust approach in tackling these issues head-on, we must all do more to restore police legitimacy, trust and confidence.
“We are internally communicating with all officers and staff in regards to sexual harassment and have launched our “knowing the line” campaign to raise awareness and to fully encourage reports, whether personal or witnessed, to be made to our Professional Standards Department.
“We will fully support any employee who has been subjected to any form of discriminatory behaviour and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure those bringing policing into disrepute and who are eroding public trust and confidence are dealt with.
“The report from Baroness Casey into the culture at The Metropolitan Police makes for some incredibly hard reading, however we welcome the findings and see it as a step forward in rebuilding confidence in the policing service nationally."