Avon & Somerset force apologise to victims of force doctor

Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA

The deputy chief constable of Avon & Somerset police has issued an apology on behalf of the force following an independent inquiry into a former doctor. Dr Reginald Bunting was Force Medical Officer between 1990 and 1997 and worked for the force until 2004. He died aged 80 in 2013.

The independent investigation by Merseyside Police was commissioned after a number of retired police officers raised concerns about the way recruitment medical examinations were carried out.

Avon & Somerset Police say they accept that of the 112 cases examined, 44 contained elements where the medical examination ‘fell below a common or acceptable standard for the time’. A further 10 cases were assessed as having fallen ‘woefully or grossly below common and acceptable standards of the time’.

They also accept that the investigation revealed several missed opportunities where concerns had previously been raised to the constabulary. The full report and response can be read here.