THE number of Merseyside Police officers currently being investigated for allegations of domestic abuse or sexual offences has been revealed.

Statistics revealed under a Freedom of Information request found that seven officers are currently involved in an open investigation.

The FOI confirmed that searches were carried out on the Merseyside Police Database.

It stated: "Merseyside Police currently have seven open investigations, all of which will and are being thoroughly investigated.

"New and existing information/updates are reviewed and managed accordingly with relevant and pertinent facts forming the basis of a final decision/outcome."

The statistics were requested on Monday, February 20. Public bodies are obligated to accept or deny the claim within 20 working days.

Merseyside Police failed to hand over the statistics in the set time frame, and the figures were finally revealed 65 days after the initial request.

'Every single report of domestic abuse is taken extremely seriously'

In response, Deputy Chief Constable Chris Green, said: "Merseyside Police is committed to tackling all forms of domestic abuse, and we will pursue those involved in these types of offences, including police officers and staff who commit domestic abuse.

"I completely understand that partners of people who work for the police service, may find it hard to come forward to report domestic abuse and they may be anxious, but I can absolutely assure them that we will investigate without fear or favour, to ensure justice is done and victims receive the right support.

"Every single report of domestic abuse is taken extremely seriously and is thoroughly investigated by our specialist domestic abuse teams. 

"We work with Independent Domestic Violence Advisors, professionals who ensure that all victims have access to the best possible support in place whilst investigations are ongoing and throughout any court process.

"Domestic abuse will not be tolerated, and we will not abide officers and staff working for us who do not uphold the highest levels of professionalism and integrity.

"We enforce the law and we need to uphold the law in everything we do.

"We do not want people working for Merseyside Police who are prepared to harm those closest to them through the use of coercive control, or violence.

"We always expect the highest professional standards of conduct and behaviour from officers and staff, and we have a dedicated programme of work to ensure everyone, inside and outside the organisation, feels represented, supported, and treated fairly with courtesy and respect.

"We are working hard to root out those in the minority who do not adhere to the standards and behaviours I, and the community, rightly expect from officers and staff.

"Our work includes more effective vetting, encouraging everyone internally, and those who come into contact with our force, to call out and report any criminal, or inappropriate behaviour.

"I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse to have the courage to report it to us and we will support you in every way we can."

Advice and support

Anyone with information on domestic abuse can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or @CrimestoppersUK, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If someone is in immediate danger they should dial 999 and speak to an operator but Merseyside Police also accept that openly speaking is not always an option. The Silent Solution is a service which means a vulnerable person can call 999 and alert them, by pressing ’55’ and then coughing or tapping the handset. This will indicate that help is needed and they will respond.