Thames Valley Police ‘strengthening vetting’ as over 50 officers sacked for sexual misconduct in six years
Latest figures reveal hundreds of allegations made against officers and staff since 2020
Thames Valley Police (TVP) say it is working to tackle sexual misconduct after more than 50 officers and staff have been dismissed for such offences since 2020.
A recent report, published by the Professional Standards Department, includes both public complaints and internal conduct cases, raised by colleagues or management.
Allegations fall under categories defined by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), including abuse of position for sexual purposes, sexual assault, sexual harassment, other sexual conduct, and rape.
During the period, TVP recorded 321 total allegations, involving 286 officers and staff.
Of these, 165 cases (50%) were deemed “case to answer”, meaning the force found sufficient evidence for formal disciplinary action.
The report highlights that 79 individuals were formally disciplined for sexual misconduct including 40 serving officers, 10 serving police staff and 27 former officers .
Sanctions ranged from reflective practice and written warnings to dismissals, with a total of 51 officers and staff dismissed over the six-year period.
In addition, 85 officers and staff were suspended at some point, and 78 had their duties restricted.
The majority of allegations involved male officers (241), with 33 female officers/staff and 12 cases where gender was unrecorded.
Sexual assault, abuse of position, and other sexual conduct were the most common allegation types, with rape cases reported every year from 2021/22 onwards.
The report notes a significant increase in sexual misconduct complaints and investigations in 2023, which the force interprets as growing confidence in reporting and a sign that TVP is prepared to take decisive action.
In 2025 alone, there were 41 officers and staff with new allegations and 51 allegations either active or finalised.
A spokesperson for TVP said: “Thames Valley Police is committed to high professional standards. We take all complaints seriously and act wherever behaviour falls short.
Trust and confidence depend on transparency, accountability, and challenging unacceptable behaviour.
We continue to strengthen vetting, supervision and early intervention measures as part of our ongoing work to prevent misconduct.”