The police have responded to serious allegations made on social media today.
A post on Facebook accused an officer of sexual assault and also complained about the police’s handling of their complaint.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Man Constabulary “is aware of a social media post concerning an allegation of sexual assault involving a serving officer”.
The spokesperson adds: “The Constabulary recognises the seriousness of the matters raised and considers it appropriate to clarify the steps that have been taken in response to the allegation and to rebalance the misinformation on the social media post.”
But police say they are “willing to engage” with the person involved and investigate any allegations.
Committed to Appropriate Accountability
The spokesperson added: “We are committed to ensuring appropriate accountability and maintaining public confidence in policing.”
Police say the constabulary’s Professional Standards Department appointed a Detective Inspector to oversee enquiries into the matter.
The spokesperson added: “The Detective Inspector, supported by a specialist investigator, has engaged with the individual concerned to seek further information and to provide the complainant with the opportunity to make a formal complaint and provide an evidential account.
“In accordance with established procedures, should information be provided suggesting that a criminal offence may have been committed, any criminal investigation would take precedence over related professional standards proceedings.”
No Formal Complaint
The spokesperson continued: “To date, the constabulary has not received a formal complaint or evidential statement concerning the alleged sexual assault.
“As a result, important details necessary to progress a full investigation, including the precise circumstances, location and timing of the alleged incident, have not been established.”
The IoM Constabulary “categorically rejects any suggestion that there has been an attempt to conceal or suppress the allegation”.
But the spokesperson added: “However, in the absence of a formal evidential account or other sufficient evidence from which the circumstances can be established, there are significant limitations on the extent to which the allegation can be investigated through either the criminal or professional standards process.
“The Constabulary remains willing to engage with the individual and to investigate any evidential account provided.”