AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into allegations that for 19 months West Yorkshire Police ignored complaints of domestic abuse, including sexual violence, carried out by one of its officers against his wife.

The officer has been suspended and the issue has been taken up by police watchdog body the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The woman, who is now the officer’s ex-wife, said she had been prompted to speak out after seeing a video of the arrest of Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick, who was later jailed for life for dozens of offences against women.

She said she did not realise how much danger she had been in during the relationship until she left her husband.

The woman does not want to be identified because she fears for her safety. 

West Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “A West Yorkshire Police Officer has been suspended as part of the ongoing enquiry being conducted by West Yorkshire Police’s professional standards department into allegations of domestic abuse.

“This is an ongoing, complex investigation and as such, we are not in a position to discuss it in further detail.”

The service said reports of domestic violence “are taken seriously.”

An IOPC spokesperson said: “We can confirm we have received a complaint alleging West Yorkshire Police failed to accurately record and investigate complaints and conduct allegations against a serving officer between the period of December 2021 and March 2023.

“After carefully assessing the available information, we have started an independent investigation. Our investigation is in the very early stages.”