Officers investigated over CAIT failings
Twenty five Essex Police officers are being investigated over alleged failings of one of the forces child abuse investigation teams (CAIT).
Twenty-five Essex Police officers are being investigated over the alleged failings of one of the forces child abuse investigation teams (CAIT).
In an update issued on June 25, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed the investigation is looking at 49 separate cases relating to the handling of child abuse inquiries reported between 2011 and 2015.
In February the IPCC announced that there would be an investigation into alleged failings in child abuse investigations within the CAIT covering the north of the county.
The investigation is being conducted under the direction and control of an IPCC investigator by Norfolk and Suffolk constabularies joint professional standards department.
The IPCC has issued 25 notices to serving Essex Police officers and a further four notices to former personnel who have either resigned or retired.
Twenty-two of the notices allege gross misconduct and seven relate to alleged misconduct matters. These include: failing to make reasonable inquiries and progress investigations; failing to address victim safeguarding; and concerns regarding honesty and integrity issues in relation to how some investigations were carried out.
Six of the officers are subject to a criminal investigation for offences including misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice.
All of the officers being investigated are below chief officer rank.