Police employee misogyny and sexism 517/2025

FOI Reference: 517/2025

Request:

Recorded Incidents:

1. How many incidents of misogyny or sexism have been reported by police officers and staff against colleagues within the past 5 years?
2. How many of these incidents resulted in disciplinary action or other formal outcomes?

Training and Policies:

3. Does your force have specific policies or training in place aimed at preventing misogyny or sexism among officers and staff? If so, please provide details of these policies and any training programs.

Can you provide details on any measures your force has taken to address or reduce internal misogyny and sexism?

Complaint Handling:

4. What procedures are in place for reporting and handling complaints of misogyny or sexism between police officers and staff members?

How many complaints of misogyny or sexism have been made internally in the past 5 years?

For each complaint, could you provide details of the outcome, including:

a) How the complaint was investigated and dealt with.

b) Whether the complaint resulted in formal disciplinary action or any other official measures.

c) Whether the individual accused of misogyny or sexism stepped down, resigned, or retired before the complaint was heard or resolved.

d) If the matter went to a hearing or tribunal, please provide any available information on the outcome of that process (e.g., findings, sanctions, etc.)

 

Response 1:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

2

(Please note that these relate only to recorded conduct cases. The HR department record the amount of Fairness at Work submissions received in any given period, but it does not specifically record them as being either as misogynistic or sexist).

Response 2:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

2

Response 3:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

The Sexual Harassment in the Workplace policy is available and published on the force external website, you can access it here: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/foi-ai/dyfed-powys-police/publication-scheme/our-policies-and-procedures/Policies/people-services-PSD-and-equality--diversity/sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace-policy/

Initial Training

PSD deliver a classroom-based input which specifically addresses issues related to sexual misconduct. This includes coverage of Operation Mars, which focuses on tackling sexual misconduct, including abuse of position for sexual purpose, sexual harassment in the workplace, and any form of inappropriate or sexualised behaviour.

This training forms part of our wider commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional behaviour and fostering a safe, respectful working environment for all staff and members of the public. 

Sergeant Course

PSD deliver a classroom-based input which specifically addresses issues related to sexual misconduct. This includes coverage of Operation Mars, which focuses on tackling sexual misconduct, including abuse of position for sexual purpose, sexual harassment in the workplace, and any form of inappropriate or sexualised behaviour.

Leadership Training

Within all levels of Leadership training from Staff / Volunteers – We discuss staff welfare and reporting mechanisms within force for matters such as these, and the wellbeing site as a general topic which would encompass sexism and misogyny as a general theme of support and welfare.

Online training

The College Learn package:

Sexual harassment in the workplace was mandated to all HDPP employees.

Response 4:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

There are various internal routes that individuals can use to report instances of misogyny or sexism, these include: The Bad Apple reporting system, the Fairness at Work process, via the Staff Support Networks, UNISON, or the Police Federation.  

There is no specific guidance for handling complaints of misogyny or sexism between police officer and staff members.

For the two complaints made in the past 5 years:

1. Both were recorded as a conduct case and investigated by the Professional Standards Department.
2. Both cases resulted in disciplinary proceedings.
3. No in both cases.
4. 1 dismissal and 1 final written warning.                                             

                                                           

It should be noted that as a result of the systems adopted by Dyfed-Powys Police in relation to the recording of such information that the information released may or may not be accurate.

Furthermore, it should also be noted that Police forces in the United Kingdom are routinely required to provide crime statistics to government bodies and the recording criteria is set nationally. However, the systems used for recording these figures are not generic, nor are the procedures used locally in capturing the crime data. It should be noted that for these reasons this force's response to your questions should not be used for comparison purposes with any other response you may receive.

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 09/06/2025)

Os oes angen y wybodaeth yma arnoch yn Gymraeg, cysylltwch â: [email protected] If you require this information in Welsh, please contact: [email protected]