Fire Service Sexual Misconduct Allegation Referred To Police
Written by HFM News on 23rd February 2023
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has referred an allegation of sexual misconduct made by a former female firefighter to Police.
It follows a report on ITV news, where the former employee alleged an incident took place at a fire station involving a male manager.
The service says disciplinary action was taken against him for sexual misconduct when a complaint was made in 2017, but was not aware of one of the allegations made by ITV and, given its seriousness, will look at it as a new investigation as well as referring the issue to the Police.
Mark Jones, Chief Fire Officer of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Inappropriate behaviour of any kind towards women is vile and must not be tolerated in Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service. We know we have much to do as a Service to improve our culture and this must be a place where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
“We are reviewing our policies to ensure our disciplinary processes are fit for purpose and want women to have confidence that, when they raise complaints, they will be dealt with appropriately.
“We are working hard to make clear to our staff the standards of behaviour expected of everyone who works here, and the consequences if someone falls short. The public put enormous trust in the Fire Service, and we must make sure we deserve that trust.
“This is an urgent priority for us, and these are just some of the actions underway so that we root out any behaviour that is unacceptable, establish the highest standards and maintain the public’s confidence in us as a Service.”
A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police said: “We can confirm we have received a report from the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“This is now subject to a police investigation and, as such, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
