Janet Finch-Saunders MS has urged the Welsh Government to work with the UK Government to address serious failing in local police forces.
The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy questioned Jane Hutt MS, the Minister for Social Justice, on the damning report into misogyny and sexual misconduct in the North Wales Police Force published by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.
It comes amid a series of high-profile scandals that have dented public confidence in the leadership of the police.
Speaking in the Senedd, Janet said:
“The actions of serial rapist David Carrick, the murder of Sarah Everard by Wayne Couzens, and the abhorrent treatment of the bodies of sisters Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman, by PCs Deniz Jaffer and Jamie Lewis, have left the Police’s reputation in tatters.
“North Wales Police has 27 conduct investigations ongoing relating to 24 individuals, and that 13 cases relate to violence against women and girls, including sexual misconduct and Police Perpetrated Domestic Abuse.
“At this time 21 cases are assessed as Gross Misconduct, and 6 are assessed as Misconduct.
“Dismissal is only available as sanction if a Gross Misconduct Panel makes a finding for Gross Misconduct.
“Personally, I do not believe that any officer who displays unacceptable conduct should be allowed to serve again.
“The Welsh Government must undertake discussions with the UK Government to see if Misconduct, rather than just Gross Misconduct, can be a ground for dismissal”.
