Police facing domestic abuse and sex inquiries

There are currently 19 officers currently suspended and under investigation

Of the 19 Durham police officers currently suspended and under investigation, more than half are the subject of inquiries into sexual misconduct or domestic abuse.

Recorded complaints against Durham officers have been rising and a report revealed that last year there were 32 misconduct investigations, compared with 23 in 2023.

The force also anticipates that, over the next 12 months, the number of gross misconduct hearings was likely to double in comparison to 2024.

Deputy Chief Constable Ciaron Irvine told a Police and Crime Panel: "Flushing out misogyny, racist and homophobic behaviour is really important."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that of the 19 officers suspended, five were linked to allegations of sexual misconduct and six to domestic abuse.

Durham county councillor Dan Nicholls said: "It's absolutely imperative that we root these people out of the organisation.

"It's really disappointing to see 19 members suspended."

Durham Police claimed the "number of complaints appears to have now stabilised", but there have been several high profile crimes and reports of dysfunctional, toxic cultures in forces across the country.

Locally, a Durham police officer was sacked in February for groping two colleagues and telling another he wanted to treat her "like a dog" in a hotel room.

A misconduct hearing heard seven allegations were made against the man, who has not been named, including unwanted sexual comments and touching on a boozy work night out.

Praising victims Mr Irvine said: "I'm not proud it exists. What I am proud of is the fact officers have come forward."