WOMEN are being 'failed' by police officers, an Oxford MP has said, as figures revealed that almost 100 serving police officers had allegations of sexual offences made against them.

Charities have said that the 'absolutely reprehensible' instances of sexual offences involving police officers, also 'creates a huge betrayal of trust' in those officers working to help victims of sexual offences. 

According to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, 91 sexual offences claims were made against Thames Valley Police officers, between 2016-17 and 2020-21.

The cases were related to 99 officers, most of whom were male (85) – there are currently over 4,500 TVP officers.

In eight cases the sex was unknown and in six the officer was female.

Of the allegations, 11 led to dismissals, nine to management action and five resulted in a written warning. In four, the officer would have been dismissed and another was upheld.

Three were resolved internally and one led to ‘reflective practise’.

Investigations into a further 13 were still ongoing at the time of the FOI response on June 17.

Meanwhile, 23 saw no further action and five had a result of ‘no case to answer’ and nine were not upheld.

In two the allegation was not proven and in another it was deemed that ‘acceptable service’ had been provided by the officer.

Two were withdrawn or de-recorded, and two resulted in disapplication, which means they may no longer be dealt with under complaints legislation.

Responses from 33 police forces across Great Britain revealed that most claims over five years related to male officers, where their sex was recorded

Romy Briant, chair of Reducing the Risk, a charity who helps adults and children at risk of domestic abuse, said: “In terms of our work on domestic abuse, the police we work with have an extraordinarily strong commitment to reducing the risk for women and ensuring that they are safe.

“They are extremely good and committed partners.

“When it comes to officers who assault women, which is absolutely reprehensible and should never happen, it therefore creates a huge betrayal of trust.

“The problem with that it firstly impacts on the officers who are doing their darnedest in difficult times to keep people safe, because people loose trust in them.

“Secondly, it builds distrust for other women who might want to turn to the police.”

Ms Moran said in response to the findings: “I find these figures deeply worrying at a time when there have been major failings in the Metropolitan Police.

“Brave, hard-working police officers across Thames Valley will find these reports as concerning as I do. We need a much broader strategy to tackle violence by men against women and girls that is far too common in our society.

"Too many women and girls feel unsafe walking down their own streets here in Oxfordshire. Our criminal justice system is failing them.”

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "

“Thames Valley Police is determined to work tirelessly tirelessly to protect the communities of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

“However, we understand the effect of recent events on trust in policing. Public confidence in our officers and staff is of the utmost importance to us and we take all complaints extremely seriously.

“We have robust processes in place to identify and investigate when standards have fallen below our expectations.

“Between 2016-17 and 2020-21, 91 complaints were made against 99 officers and staff for sexual assault, abuse of position for sexual purpose and other sexual conduct. Of these, disciplinary action was taken in 19 of these cases, 59 were investigated with no disciplinary action resulting and investigations into eight of the cases are still ongoing.

“Every reported offence is investigated by our Professional Standards Department. Disciplinary action will be taken where required and where appropriate officers or staff members will be dismissed from the force. In these cases, officers and staff will be placed on a national barred list preventing them from working in policing ever again. We also make referrals to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) when necessary.

“Communities in the Thames Valley should feel reassured that we hold all our officers and staff to the highest possible standards at all times.”