Complaint regarding treatment by police - Sussex Police, July 2016

We received a complaint relating to how Sussex Police handled a covert human intelligence source in July 2016 and launched an independent investigation, which was completed in November 2017.

The complainant alleged that they had disclosed substance misuse and mental health issues to the force, but these had been ignored. The complainant alleged they had been exposed to risk and harm through actions taken by the force.

During the investigation, investigators reviewed the available records, interviewed the officers involved and obtained statements from the complainants.

Based on the evidence available the investigation concluded that an officer had a case to answer for misconduct.

After reviewing our report, Sussex Police agreed.

However, the officer, who had already submitted a request to retire prior to the complaint being lodged, had retired from the force. No further action could therefore be taken against them.