Sex worker-linked police and staff sacked and suspended

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer and two police staff have been sacked during an investigation into "non-legitimate" police contact with sex workers.

A further eight officers - including a superintendent who has been suspended - and two staff members are under investigation, GMP said.

The internal inquiry is being carried out by the force's anti-corruption unit to identify contact with sex workers for no proper police purpose.

Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said he and Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson had "ensured we've been robust in reacting to concerns from both colleagues and the public by booting out officers and staff not fit to wear the uniform".

GMP said there was no place for police officers or staff who made contact with sex workers for reasons outside "legitimate policing".

It added the investigation was part of "our wider proactive approach to upholding the highest standards".

The force said dismissals had risen significantly, reflecting its "increase in expectations and standards" since the arrival of Sir Stephen in May 2021, with more than 100 dismissals carried out.

Deputy Chief Constable Woods added: "The GMP of today is on a journey to uphold the highest standards our public deserve.

"However, we know that we must keep doing more to ensure the public can have continued confidence in their police force," he said.

The senior officer added: "It is true that we are bound to reflect the society we serve – for good or for ill – as one of the largest employers in the North West but, frankly, our standards in policing are much higher.

"The vast, vast majority of our officers are professional, diligent and good people.

"While this investigation involves a very small minority of officers, our public rightly expects integrity, professionalism, and trust from every single person wearing our badge or working within our organisation."

Separately, it was announced in October that 26 police officers, staff and contractors were facing misconduct proceedings over allegations they tampered with their computers to make it look like they were working from home.

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