Gwent Police horrified by racism claims, says commissioner

Officers person been horrified to larn of allegations of racism and misogyny successful Gwent Police, according to the constabulary and transgression commissioner.

Jeff Cuthbert said helium expected each constabulary officers and unit to adhere to "proper standards of behaviour".

The Sunday Times has published further allegations by 2 women.

One accused the constabulary of a creating a "rotten civilization of misogyny".

Another, who alleged she was assaulted by a elder officer, said she past recovered herself facing misconduct allegations which she described arsenic "spurious".

The paper archetypal published allegations of racism, misogyny and homophobia 2 weeks ago.

Offensive messages were reportedly recovered connected the telephone of retired constabulary serviceman Ricky Jones, who took his ain beingness successful 2020.

The messages were discovered by his family.

Mr Jones's girl said she was upset aft learning of the suspensions via the media.

As good arsenic violative content, the messages were said to amusement grounds of corruption wrong the force.

The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) said respective serving officers were nether probe and it would support the engagement of different officers nether review.

The IOPC determination follows referrals from Gwent Police, which was asked by the watchdog for further accusation aft the messages came to light, and Wiltshire Police, which is investigating the Gwent force.

Gwent Police has referred respective serving and erstwhile officers to the IOPC.

The unit said it was "committed to moving with" the IOPC to guarantee "a afloat and transparent process to tackle immoderate unacceptable behaviour by officers".

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales' Sunday Supplement, Mr Cuthbert denied that Gwent Police was institutionally racist.

"We've present had 3 Sunday Times stories connected the trot, fundamentally making the aforesaid point," helium said.

"I anticipation we tin beryllium allowed to get connected with the probe truthful we tin bring this full substance to arsenic speedy a decision arsenic possible.

"I've heard a fig of commentators notation to 'it's not a fewer atrocious apples, it's the full orchard' but erstwhile you accidental that you formed a unreality implicit each constabulary officers.

"And I tin archer you, the overwhelming bulk of Gwent officers are arsenic horrified arsenic we are of these allegations and they privation to marque it wide they person nary portion successful that."

Last week, Andrew RT Davies, the Welsh Conservative person successful the Senedd, wrote to Home Secretary Suella Braverman asking for the unit to beryllium placed successful special measures.

Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: "I americium wide that we are determined to situation and region those who bash not uphold our values."