Gloucestershire police told to act over sexual exploitation

Gloucestershire Police have been ordered by the forces' watchdog to take action over sexual exploitation by officers who abuse their power. The Inspector of Constabulary says Gloucestershire is among five forces in the country that 'require improvement'.

In a report the government watchdog says hundreds of police officers across the country have been accused of abusing their power to sexually exploit people, including vulnerable victims of crime. It describes such activities as the most serious form of corruption - and says forces are failing to do enough to root out cases.

Last year former Gloucestershire PC Darren Heath was jailed for three years and nine months for having sex with three vulnerable women while on duty. A court heard he took advantage of his victims over an 11 year period, having sexual relations with three women and harassing another. The judge said his actions had damaged the women and damaged the reputation of Gloucestershire Police.