“Concerning lack of standards” -Welsh Lib Dem PCC candidate Mike Hamilton reacts to news that Gwent Police boss was allowed to work despite sexual misconduct claims

The Welsh Liberal Democrat PCC candidate for Gwent Police Mike Hamilton has criticised the decision to allow a senior police manager to continue his role for nine months amid claims of sexual misconduct towards a female colleague.

During this time, the accused had even led a training session on staff conduct following the murder of Sarah Everard.

Gwent Police have been placed under increased scrutiny in recent years over complaints about officers’ conduct, with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announcing last month that two serving and one former officer will be facing gross misconduct hearings.

Commenting, the Welsh Liberal Democrat PCC candidate for Gwent Police Mike Hamilton said:

“It is extremely concerning that a senior police manager was allowed to continue in his role uninterrupted despite a very serious claim being lodged against him.

The very fact that he was allowed to lead a training session on staff conduct, on an issue as sensitive as the Sarah Everard murder, is deeply shocking.

This entire debacle highlights a concerning lack of standards when it comes to handling complaints of misconduct within the force and how slow their disciplinary procedures are.

It reflects the current Weak leadership within Gwent Police, and their inability to get on top of the "canteen culture", so evident in the numerous media reports about the organisation.

It is going to take a massive effort by the new PCC to rebuild trust between the police and the residents of Gwent.    

Gwent police must work towards rebuilding trust by prioritising a community-led approach that encourages accountability and openness at all levels.”