We received a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA):
Do you have any policies, procedures, or other measures (either in place or that you aim to implement) to deter police misconduct (police officers and police staff) against women outside of policing (i.e., the public)?
Police misconduct is defined as acts, omissions, statements or decisions (whether actual, alleged or inferred) that have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in a way so serious as to justify disciplinary action (The Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020).
Misconduct therefore encompasses a broad range of behaviours. This FOI request does not focus on any specific type of harm or misconduct.
If yes, for each policy, procedure or other measure, could you please provide a copy and specify the following information (if not listed within the document itself):
- The aim(s) of the policy, procedure or other measure.
- The date the policy, procedure or other measure was or will be implemented.
- Expected outcomes from the policy, procedure or other measure.
If it is not possible to provide a copy of the policy, procedure or other measure, please also specify the name of it.
Our Response:
Whilst there is no specific policy, we have a number of policies which cover these cases which can be found on the following links:
FORCE POLICY - Domestic abuse affecting police officers and police staff (westyorkshire.police.uk)
FORCE POLICY - Code of conduct for police staff (westyorkshire.police.uk)
FORCE POLICY - Sexual Harassment (westyorkshire.police.uk)
FORCE POLICY - Inappropriate and notifiable associations (westyorkshire.police.uk)
FORCE POLICY - Discipline police officers (westyorkshire.police.uk)
In addition to the above please find below a link to the national strategy:
National Strategy on abuse of position for a sexual purpose | West Yorkshire Police