A FORMER policewoman says “nothing has changed” in Gwent Police since the late 1970s - following the launch of an external investigation into claims of racism, sexism, misogyny and corruption in the force.

Revelations in the Sunday Times of a “toxic culture” among some officers follow the discovery of ‘abhorrent messages’ and other content on a dead policeman’s phone and tablet.

Chief Constable Pam Kelly has now referred the force to Wiltshire Police for an independent inquiry, saying: “The content shared with us paints a picture of a toxic culture which does not represent the majority of our service.”

But former policewoman Sue Riley has told the Beacon she was “disappointed, but not surprised” by the alleged “appalling conduct” after her own experience of sexist and misogynistic treatment, and it represented “ingrained, long-standing attitudes” in the force.

“Forty four years ago I joined Gwent Police as a naive 18 year old,” she said.

“I grew up believing that the police were a public service, but left 10 months later, frightened and disillusioned.

“For the next 10 years I would cross the road if I saw a police officer.

“During my training period, I was one of 13 from Gwent, I was the only woman.

“The probationers would describe us as ‘Gwent Police, a fine body of men and Sue who’s just a fine body’.

“It went on in this vein. I was stationed in the Welsh Valleys - along with any male who’d been a concern in Newport - an example was someone who’d been reported for looking in through bathroom windows whilst on duty.”

She said she was allocated a training sergeant, who suggested “it wouldn’t be a good idea,’ to become the station bike’.”

Sue added that she was “berated” for not being able to keep up when marching in the tight uniform skirt she was made to wear.

And she claimed she was humiliated after ‘passing out’ by a group of up to 10 senior officers when she complained about how restrictive the uniform was.

“I was asked to turn 360 degrees, then asked to do so again - all the officers leered and one said - ‘it looks great to me’,” she said.

“The Assistant Chief Constable told me he thought I wouldn’t last two years and that it was probably a waste of money training me and providing me with the uniform, as many women left.

“I was determined to prove him wrong but I was terrified of staying. After leaving I was presented with a bill for my uniform which I fought for a year.”

The latest revelations follow findings of “gross misconduct” against three serving and former senior male officers in September, in connection with claims of “inappropriate touching” and an “inappropriate conversation”.

And Sue said of the Sunday Times revelations, which come after the family of the dead officer shared the ‘toxic’ phone messages with reporters: “It is so disappointing to see that nothing has changed.

“We will undoubtedly be told that this is down to a few rotten apples.

“However having worked with young offenders for a number of years and having to complain, even about the police officer assigned to the Youth Offending Service, I am confident to say that this is not a few rotten apples, but ingrained, long-standing attitudes and I fully expect to be targeted in some way for having said this.”

According to the Sunday Times, the content was discovered on a phone belonging to long-serving policeman Ricky Jones by his daughter following his suicide in January 2020.

WhatsApp and Facebook messages revealed serving and retired officers discussing sexual harassment of junior women colleagues, racist remarks, such as “The Great Muslim Bakeoff” referring to Grenfell Tower, homophobic jibes and officers offering to illegally hide money.

Chief Constable Kelly confirmed at the weekend that the force had been referred to Wiltshire Police for an independent external inquiry into the messages.

“The content we have been made aware of is abhorrent and any officers identified by the investigation as having breached either professional standards or the criminal threshold will be held accountable,” she said.

“The content shared with us is vile and these views have absolutely no place in Gwent Police.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, who met force area MPs and the chief constable to discuss the situation on Monday, said: “These allegations are very serious and the reported behaviour has no place within policing.

“The case is already the subject of an independent investigation and if it is found that it does involve wrong doing by serving police officers then I will expect very firm action to be taken.

“I have been working with Chief Constable Pam Kelly to develop a culture where officers and staff fully understand what is expected of them as public servants.

“A culture where they are enabled to call out problem behaviours when they see them. A culture where victims of such behaviour are supported and receive justice.

“I strongly believe that this case does not represent most police officers in Gwent who are committed to serving and protecting our communities.

“I know hard working officers and staff are equally angry and frustrated that their reputation has been called into question based on the actions of a few.”

Monmouth MP and Welsh Secretary David Davies said: “The family concerned has been through a horrendous ordeal and the behaviour exposed is truly shocking.

“These are extremely serious allegations that damage the reputation of Gwent Police and I hope the independent investigation being carried out by Wiltshire Police will act quickly to rebuild public confidence.

“Above and beyond, we need to ensure the high professional standards we expect from everyone who works in policing to be upheld by all.”

Newport West Labour MP Ruth Jones, who contested the Monmouth seat at the 2015 and 2017 general elections, said: “Misogyny, racism, abuse, corruption. These are all things that must be investigated thoroughly and quickly.

“We all have constituents that are concerned about this issue. We want a full investigation. No stone left unturned.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “What has been uncovered in this investigation is truly abhorrent.

“While we know the vast majority of police officers are hardworking public servants, these latest revelations risk damaging the force on the back of damming allegations regarding the Met earlier this year.

“A swift and thorough investigation must now take place in order to restore public confidence.”