Police watchdog considers Savile complaint against Sussex detectives

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is considering whether to investigate two Sussex Police detectives for misconduct over their handling of a case involving the late broadcaster Jimmy Savile.

The IPCC has written to the force about the way that the allegation, made in 2008, was handled by the officers, asking for more information.

In a statement today the watchdog said: “The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has directed Sussex Police to record and refer the conduct of two detectives over their handling of a reported indecent assault carried out by Jimmy Savile.

“The officers were responsible for investigating the alleged sexual offence by Savile after a woman contacted the force in March 2008.

“As part of our review of material supplied by a number of forces the IPCC has requested further information from West Yorkshire Police, Surrey Police and the Metropolitan Police Service.

“On receipt of the further information from these four police forces we will take decisions as soon as we can whether IPCC investigations are required.”

Sussex Police said: “In February this year we received a request from the IPCC, seeking relevant documents and our view on the potential for any police misconduct investigation, in relation to the 2008 sexual offence allegation against the late Jimmy Savile.

“We sent a full response to the IPCC in March and received a letter from them on 1 November requiring us to record a misconduct matter in relation to both officers referred to, and to refer it back to the IPCC for their decision on how it should be investigated.

“We will comply with that requirement and work with the IPCC on any next steps.

“The two officers continue their normal duties in Sussex Police at this time and have not been suspended.”

The force said that to “record a misconduct matter” meant that it formally recorded the potential for a misconduct investigation and referred it to the IPCC for a decision on what should happen next.

It added: “There has not yet been a misconduct investigation.”

It has not said where the officers are currently serving.