HL Deb 20 October 2003 vol 653 c145WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps are being taken to discourage sexually discriminatory behaviour by male police officers towards women police officers and members of the public, in light of the 1997–98 and 2002–03 reports of the Police Complaints Authority. [HL4665]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Any sexually discriminatory behaviour such as that highlighted in the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) reports would breach the code of conduct for police officers as set out at annex 1 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 1999. The code outlines the principles which should guide police officers conduct and includes the followingPOLITENESS AND TOLERANCE Officers should treat members of the public and colleagues with courtesy and respect, avoiding abusive or deriding attitudes or behaviour. In particular, officers must avoid: favouritism of an individual or group; all forms of harassment, victimisation or unreasonable discrimination; and overhearing conduct to a colleague, particularly to one junior in rank or service".

Any breach of the principles in the code of conduct may result in an officer facing misconduct proceedings under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 1999, which, in the most serious cases, could involve dismissal.

Under the new complaints system, which will come into force on 1 April 2004, it is more likely for conduct of this nature, whether or not a complaint is made, to fall to be recorded and referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and, in the more serious cases, can be investigated by the IPCC.

Furthermore, the Home Office is working very closely with the Women's National Commission and the Association of Chief Police Officers on a number of projects designed to discourage sexually discriminatory behaviour by male police officers towards women police officers and members of the public. These include: The Gender Agenda—This document, to which the Home Office is a signatory, was produced two years ago by a number of groups with a stake in women's issues in the Police Service. It contains suggestions on what the police and individuals can do to improve the current situation. Advances have been made in a number of areas, including training methods, delivery and recruitment.

Seen but not heard: Women's Experience of the Police report—This report was partially funded by the Home Office and was designed to look at gender issues, particularly how the police engage with different communities.