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After being arrested at work back in December 2014 on suspicion of raping a female I have been on bail and suspended from work for six months now.
During this time not only having the indignity of having my reputation tarnished I had to deal with a move of house and a new baby. At times I felt there was no way out despite being innocent as I myself despite being a police officer have no faith whatsoever in the justice system, and more so now after this experience.
I was bailed and re-bailed time after time to the point it became an abuse of process, but because I am a police officer I am under far more scrutiny than a regular member of public so this continued to take it's toll on my mental wellbeing. The fear of losing my family, the fear of being incarcerated as a police officer. There were so many factors to consider and I saw nothing but a negative ending to this whole situation despite knowing I did not do what I was accused of.
I was recently re-bailed for another 7 weeks because the CPS wanted third party information. I sat there wondering what that might be, but over time became philosophical and decided there was nothing I could to alter this course of the investigating at this point. I had given my statements and it was in the hands of someone at the CPS now.
Then two days ago I received a call from my Police Federation representative to inform me the accuser has now retracted her original statement and that the rape allegation is in fact false. She was then arrested by officers for perverting the course of justice and wasting police time.
To say I was relieved in an understatement! I was elated but happy? No! This should not have happened in the first place were it not for the sick and twisted mind of one individual.
I strangely am still on bail and suspended from work pending an internal investigation. I have not had one official notification this allegation is now dropped! I am disgusted and disappointed in there lack of support I was shown during this time. I have had some delete me from Facebook, some ignore my calls and not one call from my own team who I risk my life to protect day in and day out. There have been some that have been amazing and provided me with counsel and friendship this past six months and I am eternally grateful of that support.
Just thought I'd share my good news to you and I am now going to take some time to take stock of the situation and decide whether I wish to remain a police officer after this unpalatable experience.
For anyone that is going through the same situation, stay strong no matter how dark things get and use your innocence as a pillar of strength. I can't guarantee that things will work in your favour, but you have to believe in yourself no matter what.
During this time not only having the indignity of having my reputation tarnished I had to deal with a move of house and a new baby. At times I felt there was no way out despite being innocent as I myself despite being a police officer have no faith whatsoever in the justice system, and more so now after this experience.
I was bailed and re-bailed time after time to the point it became an abuse of process, but because I am a police officer I am under far more scrutiny than a regular member of public so this continued to take it's toll on my mental wellbeing. The fear of losing my family, the fear of being incarcerated as a police officer. There were so many factors to consider and I saw nothing but a negative ending to this whole situation despite knowing I did not do what I was accused of.
I was recently re-bailed for another 7 weeks because the CPS wanted third party information. I sat there wondering what that might be, but over time became philosophical and decided there was nothing I could to alter this course of the investigating at this point. I had given my statements and it was in the hands of someone at the CPS now.
Then two days ago I received a call from my Police Federation representative to inform me the accuser has now retracted her original statement and that the rape allegation is in fact false. She was then arrested by officers for perverting the course of justice and wasting police time.
To say I was relieved in an understatement! I was elated but happy? No! This should not have happened in the first place were it not for the sick and twisted mind of one individual.
I strangely am still on bail and suspended from work pending an internal investigation. I have not had one official notification this allegation is now dropped! I am disgusted and disappointed in there lack of support I was shown during this time. I have had some delete me from Facebook, some ignore my calls and not one call from my own team who I risk my life to protect day in and day out. There have been some that have been amazing and provided me with counsel and friendship this past six months and I am eternally grateful of that support.
Just thought I'd share my good news to you and I am now going to take some time to take stock of the situation and decide whether I wish to remain a police officer after this unpalatable experience.
For anyone that is going through the same situation, stay strong no matter how dark things get and use your innocence as a pillar of strength. I can't guarantee that things will work in your favour, but you have to believe in yourself no matter what.
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