Roddick appalled at the reports of sexual misconduct being ‘widespread’ in Police Scotland and forces across the UK

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has reacted to the sexual misconduct allegations regarding Police Scotland and forces across the UK. Channel Four’s Dispatches has reported lodging Freedom of Information requests with police forces across the UK and information was returned by 39 forces. It revealed that almost 2000 officers, special constables, and Police Community Support Officers were accused of some form of sexual misconduct over the past four years; only 8% of allegations led to a dismissal.

Roddick highlights the disgust involved regarding allegations involving public services that are meant to be there to ‘protect’ us.

Speaking on this subject, Roddick says:

“We are consistently told that we can ‘trust’ the police. Those who are designated to protect us in society should be held accountable for their actions and not put in a position of public trust. Every allegation should be taken seriously and investigated to the fullest in order to keep people safe. No one should be able to behave this way with impunity.

“There is a systemic problem with normalised misogyny. This is prolific in workspaces and across all parts of society. This is completely unacceptable and those who perpetrate or perpetuate it must be held responsible.

“My heart goes out to all of those affected by sexual harassment, rape, and abuse in all forms who have been harmed and who will be further traumatised by this issue not being taken seriously and not having their voices heard. No one should have to be subjected to these types of abusive behaviours and abuses of power.”