Bedfordshire chief vows to clean up policing culture

Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst has vowed to leave no stone unturned in his bid to root out sexual predators working in policing.

Mr Rodenhurst said that policing must move past the “one bad apple” narrative and rebuild trust and confidence by getting rid of any officer who commits violence or abuse against women and girls.

The chief constable has spoken out in a new blog on the Bedfordshire Police website at the start of the national It’s Not Ok sexual abuse and sexual violence awareness week.

Former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick is also due to be sentenced this week for dozens of sexual and violent crimes committed against women over two decades.

“No stone is being left unturned in our efforts to root out sexual predators working in policing,” Mr Rodenhurst said.

“As the result of our pursuit of these perpetrators, we may see some shocking headlines and negative press in the not-too-distant future. These cases may well cause further damage to the public’s trust and confidence in our organisation.

“But it is work that must be done. People like this have no place in policing. Getting rid of them is the only way we can truly start to earn back the confidence of our communities.”

He has pledged to invest in the force’s Professional Standards Department to ensure every complaint is thoroughly reviewed, as well as ensuring officers and staff are regularly vetted.

All this week the force’s Blue Bell support group for victims and witnesses of sexual misconduct will be holding roadshows at different sites across the force to encourage police officers and staff to speak out.

“The ‘one bad apple’ narrative does not wash,” Mr Rodenhurst added.

“We have made great strides over the past year to improve our response to male violence against women and girls and to create a culture in force where people feel confident to come forward and call out unacceptable behaviour.

“I am determined to see this same progress in our standards, attitudes and behaviour in policing.”

Visit the Bedfordshire Police website to find out what the force is doing to tackle male violence against women and girls.