South Yorkshire Police have issued an apology after a video surfaced appearing to show police officers socialising with teenage girls in Rotherham. The force has launched an internal investigation into the incident, which has raised concerns about professional boundaries and child safeguarding.
Video Emerges of Officers with Girls
The footage, which was shared on social media, reportedly shows uniformed officers in a car with a group of young girls. The exact location and date of the video have not been confirmed, but it is believed to have been filmed in the Rotherham area. South Yorkshire Police confirmed they are aware of the video and have referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable David Hartley said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media which appears to show police officers with a group of young girls. This is clearly a matter of significant concern, and we have referred it to the IOPC. We have also launched our own internal investigation.”
Apology and Investigation
The force apologised for the distress caused, with Hartley adding: “I want to apologise for any concern this footage may cause. The behaviour shown is not acceptable, and we are taking it extremely seriously.” The IOPC has confirmed it is assessing the referral to determine whether an independent investigation is necessary.
The incident has drawn comparisons to the Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal, which saw widespread abuse of teenage girls by grooming gangs between 1997 and 2013. A 2014 report by Professor Alexis Jay found that at least 1,400 children were sexually exploited in the town, with failures by police and other agencies to protect them.
Context of Rotherham Abuse Scandal
The new video has reignited concerns about police conduct in Rotherham. Local MP Sarah Champion said: “This video is deeply disturbing, especially given the history of Rotherham. We need a thorough investigation to ensure that officers are held to account and that such behaviour is never repeated.”
South Yorkshire Police have been under scrutiny in recent years for their handling of child sexual exploitation cases. In 2022, the force was placed into special measures by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services due to concerns over crime recording and child protection.
Next Steps
The IOPC is expected to decide within weeks whether to launch a formal investigation. Meanwhile, South Yorkshire Police have urged anyone with information about the video to come forward. The force has also reminded officers of their professional standards and the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries with the public.
