Police Corruption Report Says Steroid Abuse And Sexual Favours 'Significant Threat' To Force Integrity

Steroid Abuse And Sexual Favours 'Significant Threat' To Police Integrity

A report investigating UK police forces has revealed that dozens of officers are at risk of corruption due to steroid use and abusing their authority to gain sexual favours.

The report, 'Benchmarking Police Integrity Programmes' published by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), found steroid use amongst officers is a "significant threat".

Staffordshire Chief Constable Michael Cunningham said in a statement that a culture of body-building and obsessive levels of fitness is leading many members of the police to become involved with steroid dealers.

The Inspectorate of Constabulary called for a anti-corruption drive last December

Cunningham, who is Acpo's spokesman on professional standards, said: "There is good evidence of officers getting way out of their depth with serious criminals who they are beholden to.

Police officers are the open to bribery and extortion as "the relationships they form when they're using steroids become corrupt and corrosive".

Cunningham also admitted "most forces" were investigating allegations of abuse of power for sexual favours.

Also of concern were officers abusing information systems such as those containing information on vehicle history.

The report is part of a concerted effort by police chiefs to tackle corruption.

Later this week they will meet to discuss possible methods such as misconduct meetings held in public and independent ethics committees, reports the BBC.

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