Not one Herts police officer has been charged with sexual assault despite 27 complaints being made over four years.

Recent figures revealed how many reports were made against serving officers between 2016 and 2020 – which included both public complaints and internal conduct matters.

In October it was confirmed 19 sexual assault claims came from the public, five were from colleagues and three were unconfirmed as they were ongoing.

A Herts Police spokesperson at the time said it demands the “highest levels of integrity” from officers and takes appropriate action when required.

A Watford Observer investigation can now reveal that 17 of the public complaints resulted in no charges and eight internal conduct cases led to no further action.

Watford Observer: Herts Police confirmed no charges have been made.Herts Police confirmed no charges have been made.

The two outstanding cases are currently still live.

It means that of the 25 sexual assault reports that have been fully investigated over four years none led to an officer being charged.

The End Violence Against Women Coalition, which includes groups like Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid, previously claimed few officers face “any meaningful consequences” for violence against women and girls nationally.

Deputy director Denzi Ugur said: “We need to see a radical overhaul of how the police respond to violence against women – especially within their own ranks.

“This mean greater accountability and urgent, coordinated and strategic action to address violence against women.”

Watford Observer: Sarah Everard. Picture: PA.Sarah Everard. Picture: PA.

The comments were made amid a nationwide backlash after Sarah Everard was murdered by serving Met Police officer Wayne Couzens.

Responding to the latest figures, a Herts Police spokesperson said: “Hertfordshire Constabulary requires the highest levels of integrity from our officers and staff and when someone fails to meet this standard, we take the appropriate action.

“If claims are made against our officers, a thorough and independent investigation will be carried out.

“The Professional Standards Department (PSD) prioritise sexual offence allegations against police officers.

“PSD, working in conjunction with the IOPC, investigates officers where officer conduct has or is likely to have breached the standards of professional behaviour.”

They added police recognise Couzens will have damaged communities’ confidence in policing and they are certain the service nationally will learn from what has happened.

“He is however in no way reflective of policing generally and we as an organisation remain absolutely committed to protecting women and girls from violence and abuse,” the spokesperson added.