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.

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

The sharks and the fishermen: An exploratory content analysis of police officers who abused their positions for a sexual purpose

Abuse of position for a sexual purpose (APSP) in police officers is a serious form of corruption that often re-victimises highly vulnerable people such as victims of domestic abuse and rape. It is thought to be underreported by victims because they fear disbelief and negative repercussions. As a consequence, such behaviour may go undetected for a long time. Using a content analysis of 10 completed APSP investigations conducted by an English police force, the research explored the characteristics and behaviour of both the police officers and victims involved. The results suggest that there may be differences in behaviours and victim selection within APSP perpetrators. Two perpetrator types are tentatively suggested: the shark and the fisherman. The shark is characterised by those who make rapid sexual contact with a specifically targeted highly vulnerable victim, often causing lasting harm. The fisherman uses a more tentative approach, casting a wide net to many potential victims (with similarities to grooming) but often failing to make sexual contact. The behaviour of both offending styles, and the implications for internal police investigations, is discussed

Sexual misconduct in police recruits as identified by police trainers

Police sexual misconduct is an under-researched type of police corruption. Although rare, it has serious negative ramifications for both the victims and the reputation of the police. When officers join, there is an extended period of training during which potential warning signs of sexual misconduct may be displayed. This research explored how police trainers identify and deal with sexual misconduct in new recruits. Six focus groups across four police forces in the South of England were conducted – a total of 25 police training staff. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Sexually inappropriate language and sexual touching was witnessed during training, with both recruits and trainers as victims. Police trainers are confident in dealing with such incidents; however, more serious allegations did not result in disciplinary action. Victims and witnesses were reluctant to report incidents, and this may hinder the early identification of recruits who require more discipline or who are potentially unsuitable for police work

“We do employ some morons”: police trainers' opinions on recruitment procedures

Purpose – Police training is in a period of transition, requiring new recruits to already have, or work towards, a policing degree. However, recruitment procedures have not significantly changed in the past few decades. With psychometric testing commonplace in North America and Australasia to help ensure the right recruits are selected, this research seeks to understand if police trainers feel there is scope for a similar process in the United Kingdom (UK). Design/methodology/approach – Twenty-five police training staff across four different police forces took part in a total of six focus groups to discuss views on this and other areas of recruitment. Findings – Results indicated that police trainers are concerned about the quality and aptitude of recruits. Support was given for the introduction of formal psychometric testing to prevent unsuitable candidates from successfully joining and/or to give trainers better insight into the personalities of their students. Originality/value – There was general concern from female trainers that the police environment new recruits entered still bore elements of covert sexism. Trainers’ views on reforms to police recruitment, the implications of this and areas for future study are discussed

Is the blue wall of silence a fallacy in cases of police sexual misconduct?

Police sexual misconduct encompasses a range of behaviours: from sexually inappropriate language directed towards colleagues or members of the public to engaging in sexual relationships with vulnerable members of the public. All types of police misconduct are thought to be under-reported, in part because of the ‘blue wall of silence’ where police officers fail to report colleagues’ wrongdoing for reasons of loyalty and a fear of retribution. A sample of 382 English police officers were invited to assess eight fictional police sexual misconduct scenarios to ascertain whether the scenario was a breach of the Code of Ethics, the expected level of discipline and if they would report the officer. Reporting likelihood was increased when officers perceived the scenario to be a breach of the Code of Ethics and worthy of a higher level of discipline. Female officers were more likely to report sexual misconduct than male officers, and scenarios involving direct colleagues were less likely to be reported. Non-reporting was greatest for sexual harassment between colleagues and the seriousness of this behaviour was minimised as justification for non-reporting. Use of confidential reporting was minimal with direct reporting to a line manager to be the preferred option

The impact of Behçet's disease on intimate relationships in women: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Behçet's disease is a rare and incurable condition where the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue. Behçet's can cause blood clots and ulcerations to form in every organ and system in the body, including deep and painful genital ulceration. The psychological impact of the disease on intimacy and relationships is unexplored. This study aimed to explore how the disease impacts on female patients' intimate partner relationships. METHODS: Participants were seven female, UK patients with Behçet's disease who were in committed relationships. In depth, semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 80 minutes were conducted via video conferencing about participants' sexual functioning and intimate relationships. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS: Patients' sexual relationships and intimacy were impacted by issues due to lack of knowledge of symptoms (misdiagnosis of herpes), issues due to symptoms (genital manifestations, painful sex, exhaustion), difficulties communicating with medical professionals, medication, partner support, and support from fellow Behçet's patients. DISCUSSION: Female Behçet's patients are at risk of developing psychological problems with intimacy due to symptoms, lack of knowledge of symptoms, and negative impacts of medication. Intimacy needs to be discussed in medical consultations so these issues can be addressed before a lack of intimacy negatively impacts relationships

How can rape investigations be enhanced? Consideration of attrition in rape cases: Second follow-up study

Attrition of rape cases is highest during the police investigation. As annually increasing reports of rape contrast with low conviction rates, this research determines which features of an investigation impact the likelihood of attrition. Cox Proportional Hazards Analysis of 620 rape cases highlights where and when attrition is greatest, in order to improve each stage of the investigation. The analysis found initial attendance by uniformed officers and conducting an interview significantly decreased attrition likelihood. Alternatively, matching the gender of officer to victim significantly increased likelihood. Moreover, victim-perpetrator relationship significantly impacted case length

Outcomes of Police Sexual Misconduct in the UK

Sexual misconduct in police officers and staff is a serious form of corruption with negative consequences for victims and the reputation of the police. It can include a variety of behaviours ranging from inappropriate sexual comments to colleagues to sexual activity with vulnerable victims of crime. Analysis of publicly accessible data available from proven cases of sexual misconduct in 30 police forces in England and Wales has identified eight categories of sexual misconduct, together with the subsequent disciplinary outcomes. The most frequently recorded type of sexual misconduct involved officers of Constable rank conducting sexual relationships with victims of crime. Conversely, officers of higher ranks were more frequently found to engage in sexual bullying towards junior officers. Consequential dismissal rates varied greatly across different regions of the country. This research focuses on sexual misconduct within English and Welsh police forces and provides the current picture behaviours across regions, ranks, and gender

Fusion Learning Conference 2023 - proceedings

Welcome to the 3rd annual Fusion Learning Conference at BU. The event provides a hub for the exchange of knowledge, pedagogical innovations, and cutting-edge research that shape the landscape of our learning and teaching. This year we are hosting the largest number of submissions to the conference and look forward to an exciting line up of guest speaker from IBM presenting on the influence of Artificial Intelligence on higher education; a BU panel of experts sharing their insight about some of the emerging themes in our learning and teaching and preparing our students for future of work; staff presentations and discussions including, student engagement, digital transformation, academic integrity, inclusive and sustainability in the curriculum design. I hope that you find this selection of posters and abstracts to be enlightening