Victims must continue to report sexual offences to police

Hannah Notley, a former officer, has today received a prison sentence of four months, after pleading guilty to misconduct in public office.  The IPCC investigation has found that two allegations of sexual offences – one of which was reported to police in May 2011 and the other in July 2011 – were not fully investigated.  These are sad and troubling events, but it is essential that victims retain the confidence to continue to report serious sexual offences to Essex Police.   In March 2012, Essex Police established dedicated Sexual Offence Investigation Teams, with responsibility for investigating all reports of serious sexual offences in our county.  I would urge all victims of sexual offences to report them to police as soon as possible. I expect to receive a detailed report shortly from the IPCC.  I will consider its findings and the Essex Police response, carefully and thoroughly. Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex