West Yorkshire Police probed by watchdog over domestic abuse claims against officer

West Yorkshire Police is being probed by the police watchdog

A watchdog is to probe claims West Yorkshire Police failed to properly investigate one of its officers over allegations of domestic abuse.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is examining the force's handling of complaints about a serving firearms officer.

The officer was reported to the force by his ex-wife, who told the BBC she was "not taken seriously".

West Yorkshire Police said the officer had since been suspended.

The officer's former wife told the BBC she had reported her ex-husband's "extreme controlling and coercive behaviour" to the force in 2021 but no investigation was launched.

She said it was "exceptionally hard and frightening" to make the first call to report him to the police and that she felt "disturbed" that nearly two years later no action had been taken.

"He would say things to me, for example, an object in the home would make a good murder weapon, talked about becoming a widow," she said.

"He smashed things in the house, threw things. I was isolated in the home. Name-calling was daily.

"He often told me 'I'm a police officer, who would believe you over me?' and comments to do with if I ever reported [his behaviour] he could make sure no-one looks into it."

She said she felt "on edge" with the knowledge that her former husband had continued to work as a firearms officer with access to weapons after she had reported his behaviour to the police force.

An IOPC spokesperson said: "We can confirm we have received a complaint alleging West Yorkshire Police failed to accurately record and investigate complaints and conduct allegations against a serving officer between the period of December 2021 and March 2023."After carefully assessing the available information, we have started an independent investigation. Our investigation is in the very early stages."

The officer's wife told the BBC her trust in police had been destroyed

West Yorkshire Police said its professional standards directorate was investigating the allegations of domestic abuse.

A force spokesperson also added: "While we cannot comment further on this specific matter, we encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to contact us.

"Allegations are taken seriously, including allegations involving West Yorkshire Police officers and staff, and will always be fully investigated."

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