The Avon and Somerset Constabulary has refuted claims of “sanctioning serious sexual offences within its own ranks” in relation to its treatment of female police officers. The force has put in place measures to safeguard the well-being of both female officers and female members of the public, including ensuring that strip searches of a suspect are conducted by an officer of the same sex.
During a meeting of the Avon and Somerset police and crime panel, several women voiced apprehensions about the force’s track record in this area, asserting that women’s trust in the police force had “plummeted to an all-time low”. Police and crime commissioner Clare Moody emphasized the seriousness with which women’s welfare is regarded, assuring that proper procedures and arrangements are in place to prevent sexual assault or related trauma for both officers and the public.
Highlighted at the meeting was the issue of recruiting and retaining female officers, with concerns raised about the impact of the force’s trans guidance on the comfort and trust of female officers. Charlotte Revely, one of the speakers at the gathering, expressed the preference of many women and girls to report crimes to a female officer, along with the need for increased representation of female police officers.
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Moreover, she articulated concerns about the potential discomfort and invasion of privacy felt by female officers due to sharing shower and locker room facilities with transgender individuals, questioning the apparent sanctioning of serious sexual offenses within the police force. The commissioner responded by affirming the force’s compliance with health and safety laws and welfare regulations, ensuring the provision of separate sex-based facilities and gender-neutral options for staff.
Miss Moody further addressed the issue of warrant cards, explaining the protocol for staff transitioning and reassuring that there is no unique challenge in recruiting and retaining female officers within Avon and Somerset. The meeting also saw other participants express concerns about the low trust and confidence women have in the police, probing the extent of consideration given to equality impact assessments in policy development.
The meeting also witnessed objections raised against strip searches being conducted by male officers, leading to a recent policy change requiring such searches to be carried out by an officer of the same sex as the individual being searched. The commissioner confirmed the alignment of this new policy with the force’s objectives and the chief constable’s support of the change, underscoring the force’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality in policy development.