Six officers or staff working for Thames Valley Police were found guilty of crimes including sexual offences and violence last year.

Figures obtained by the Oxford Mail from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) show that between January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024, two officers or police staff were found guilty of sexual assault – while two were guilty of common assault.

One officer or member of staff was convicted for threatening behaviour and one of drink driving.

One case resulted in a prison sentence and one in a suspended prison sentence.

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Another case resulted in a community order, one in a sex offenders notice with a 10 year rehabilitation activity requirement and another with an unpaid work requirement.

One case merited a conditional discharge, three merited penalty fines, one required payment of compensation and one resulted in a disqualification from driving.

Some individuals were served more than one outcome.

Thames Valley Police has more than 9,700 officers, staff and PCSOs working for it, around 6,100 of whom are officers and PCSOs.

Criminal police officers and staff do erode public confidence in the force, said deputy chief constable for Thames Valley Police, Ben Snuggs.

Witney Gazette: Deputy chief constable Ben Snuggs Deputy chief constable Ben Snuggs (Image: TVP)DCC Snuggs said: “Thames Valley Police is committed to being a police service that is trusted by all of our communities.

“When anyone within policing commits a criminal offence it undermines public trust and confidence, and affects the profession as a whole.

“We will always conduct thorough and professional investigations and pursue appropriate criminal or misconduct outcomes to deal with those who fall below the high standards, both we and the public, expect of those who serve in Thames Valley Police.”  

Witney Gazette: Thames Valley Police headquarters in Kidlington Thames Valley Police headquarters in Kidlington (Image: Newsquest)There have been several high profile convictions of police officers recently.

Last October former PC Luke Horner was sentenced to six years and four months in prison after admitting penetrative sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl.

In February PC Lewis Cave, 29, was charged with three counts of battery and one count of threatening violence to secure entry.

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PC Cave's case is still pending. He is due to appear in court in June. 

In January, PC Charlotte Morris, 23, was convicted of driving without due care and attention. 

Meanwhile in February the trial at Oxford Crown Court of a man accused of assaulting PC Lewis Symm collapsed after two days.

Craig O’Leary, chairman of Thames Valley Police Federation, said: "Doubtless some of these cases will have an impact on trust and confidence with certain sections of the public.

"However, I see day in and day out the positive affect that our officers have in our communities and am confident that they hold the trust and confidence of the vast majority of the public in the Thames Valley."