Gwent Police horrified by racism claims, says commissioner

Four Gwent Police officers have been suspended amid claims of racism, misogyny and homophobia

Officers have been horrified to learn of allegations of racism and misogyny in Gwent Police, according to the police and crime commissioner.

Jeff Cuthbert said he expected all police officers and staff to adhere to "proper standards of behaviour".

Four Gwent Police officers have now been suspended as part of an investigation into claims of racism, misogyny and homophobia in the force.

The Sunday Times has published further allegations by two women.

One accused the police of a creating a "rotten culture of misogyny".

Another, who alleged she was assaulted by a senior officer, said she then found herself facing misconduct allegations which she described as "spurious".

Alyson Cox, an ex-firearms instructor, also warned that a "boys' club" attitude in a firearms unit shared by Gwent, Dyfed-Powys and South Wales Police was driving out women.

On Sunday, Gwent Police revealed a fourth officer had been suspended and another had been placed on restricted duties, following three others who were suspended on Thursday.

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The newspaper first published allegations of racism, misogyny and homophobia two weeks ago.

Offensive messages were reportedly found on the phone of retired police officer Ricky Jones, who took his own life in 2020.

Former Gwent Police officer Ricky Jones killed himself in 2020

The messages were discovered by his family. As well as offensive content, they were said to show evidence of corruption within the force.

Mr Jones's daughter said she was upset after learning of the suspensions via the media.

The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) said several serving officers were under investigation and it would keep the involvement of other officers under review.

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

Gwent Police has referred several serving and former officers to the IOPC.

Jeff Cuthbert denied that Gwent Police was institutionally racist

The force said it was "committed to working with" the IOPC to ensure "a full and transparent process to tackle any unacceptable behaviour by officers".

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

"We've now had three Sunday Times stories on the trot, essentially making the same point," he said.

"I hope we can be allowed to get on with the investigation so we can bring this whole matter to as speedy a conclusion as possible.

"I've heard a number of commentators refer to 'it's not a few bad apples, it's the whole orchard' but when you say that you cast a cloud over all police officers.

"And I can tell you, the overwhelming majority of Gwent officers are as horrified as we are of these allegations and they want to make it clear they have no part in that."

The Gwent Police investigation needs to be "done quickly" and transparently, according Labour's Newport West MP.

Ruth Jones MP told the BBC Politics Wales programme that a recent Gwent Police investigation "took three years and that's far too long."

She also said the force's Chief Constable Pam Kelly has her "full support" but called for an "in-depth investigation" across Welsh and English police forces "to make sure these are isolated incidents, because I'm not sure they are."

Andrew RT Davies wrote to Home Secretary Suella Braverman last week asking for the force to be placed in special measures.

The Senedd's Conservative Leader Andrew RT Davies MS has said he has no confidence in the chief constable or the area's police commissioner.

Mr Cuthbert said he was "very upset" by Mr Davies's criticism of Pam Kelly, who has said she was "determined to challenge and remove those who do not uphold our values".

Responding on Politics Wales, Mr Davies said: "I wish Jeff Cuthbert would put his anger, his frustration, to focus on dealing with the issues that are coming out on a weekly, if not a daily basis now, in the force he's been police and crime commissioner of since 2016.

"And I reiterate, perhaps it's Jeff Cuthbert that needs to look and ask is he the right person to sort these problems out given that he's presided over them."

Head of the joint firearms unit, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Travis, said: "We take retention of our officers extremely seriously and while a small number of officers, both male and female, have left the unit within the last two years, this has been for a variety of reasons including promotion and injury.

"However, I don't take these claims lightly and firmly believe there is no room for complacency, all employees have access to confidential integrity lines and they should have full confidence that all reports and concerns will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated."

Welsh Women's Aid said: "Reading the testimonies of the family of Ricky Jones, we are disappointed that survivors of domestic abuse are not being listened to by Gwent Police, we fully support the family in their quest for justice and reform and we add our voice to calls for a full independent investigation into misconduct allegations at Gwent Police."