Gwent Police suspends two officers and launches a criminal investigation over claims that a female officer was assaulted at a chief constable’s ‘boozy’ retirement party
- A female police officer was allegedly assaulted at a leaving party in south Wales
- A criminal investigation has been launched and two officers were suspended
- The alleged incident was said to have taken place at the leaving party for Chief Constable Julian Williams, 53, of Gwent Police
The leaving party was for Julian Williams (pictured), 53. There is no suggestion he was involved in the alleged incident
Two serving police officers have been suspended after a female officer was allegedly assaulted at a chief constable’s retirement party.
A criminal investigation has been launched over behaviour at the leaving party for £138,500-a-year Chief Constable Julian Williams, 53, from the top job at the Gwent force in south Wales.
An outside police force has been called in to investigate after the force was rocked by the criminal allegations at the champagne and beer farewell party at the force HQ.
All the senior officers from the 1,300-strong Gwent force were invited to the leaving party for Chief Constable Williams – along with another chief constable from the neighbouring South Wales force.
But a female officer was allegedly assaulted after the event at the force headquarters in Cwmbran, Gwent.
A police source said: ‘It is shocking. This is the last thing you expect at a chief constable’s leaving party where all the senior officers would have been there.
‘A lot of police leaving dos are a bit boozy and this was no different – but Julian Williams is a good chief and this will really upset him. He wouldn’t want this linked to his name.
Police confirmed two officers have been suspended but no arrests have made. The officers have not been named.
A female officer was allegedly assaulted after the event at the force headquarters in Cwmbran, Gwent (pictured)
Other officers are being investigated for misconduct but have not been suspended after protesting their innocence.
Officers from the neighbouring Avon and Somerset Police are set to travel 35 miles over the Welsh border to carry out interviews with police officers at the event.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Rhiannon Kirk, said: ‘Avon and Somerset Police are carrying out an independent investigation into an allegation of a criminal offence against a serving officer at Gwent Police, as well as an investigation into allegations of misconduct against other serving officers.
‘As a result, two people have been suspended while enquiries continue. We’re unable to comment further at this stage.’
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Rhiannon Kirk (pictured), said officers were investigating allegations of a criminal offence
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are investigating the retirement party complaints, and that the police watchdog – the Independent Office for Police Conduct – is overseeing the probe.
A spokesman said: ‘We’re carrying out an investigation into an allegation of a criminal offence made against a serving officer at Gwent Police. The officer has been suspended while this investigation is carried out.
‘Alongside this, our Professional Standards Department are conducting an investigation into allegations of misconduct against other serving officers at Gwent Police. This investigation has resulted in a second officer being suspended.
‘The investigations are being managed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). We’re unable to go into any further details at this stage.’
Former Chief Constable Williams spent two years in the top role at the force which has its HQ in Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, South Wales.
He had racked up 30 years in service including 25 years with South Wales Police.
The officer was appointed Chief Constable of Gwent Police on August 1, 2017 after first joining as Assistant Chief Constable.
His said his aim in the role was to prioritise dealing with complex crime while maintaining a community-based force.
After announcing his retirement he praised Gwent Police officers for their ‘energy and professionalism.’
He said: ‘It has been a huge privilege to work in Gwent Police for the last five years and a real honour to be the Chief Constable of the force for two years.
‘I have always been impressed by the commitment, energy and professionalism displayed by my colleagues in the force.’