Written warnings for officers who treated disabled crime victim ‘less favourably’
Two Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers who failed to adequately investigate the alleged sexual assault of a vulnerable, disabled man have been given final written warnings following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Gross misconduct was proven against Police Constables Paul Quinney and Amy Weatherley at disciplinary hearing that concluded on August 31.
The panel heard the officers were dismissive of the allegations, did not properly question the victim to gather an account of the incident, nor record any crime despite ample evidence to suggest sexual assault and theft of a mobile phone. They also did not refer the case to the specialist MPS unit that deals with rape and sexual assault.
Despite being aware of the man’s disability the officers failed to make reasonable adjustments for him, such as adjusting their questioning style to give him more time to respond. Instead, the complainant was treated as a suspect and the officers were disrespectful in their dealings with him.
The officers also failed to secure forensic evidence from the victim or the scene, did not safeguard him as a vulnerable sexual assault complainant, and failed to activate their body-worn video cameras in situations where it was mandatory to do so.
They were found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to duties and responsibilities; orders and instructions; authority, respect and courtesy; and equality and diversity. A potential breach of the standards of professional behaviour in relation to honesty and integrity was not proven.
IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem, said: “This is a shocking case of a vulnerable man whose distress was disregarded by these two officers, who failed to investigate his serious allegation of sexual assault and treated him less favourably because of his disability.
“The impact of a sexual assault on a victim cannot be underestimated and it takes courage for them to report such a deeply violating and distressing event to police. This man deserved to be treated with respect and sensitivity but instead he was subject to a catalogue of failures by these two officers.
“Such behaviour seriously undermines public trust and confidence in the police and the panel’s sanctions are a clear message that it will not be tolerated.”
