THE Royal Ulster Constabulary has been stung by a survey showing large numbers of its women officers have experienced sexual harassment at work.
Nearly half the women in the force who responded to the survey claimed they had been sexually harassed.
The RUC said in a statement yesterday that the Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Annesley, took a very serious view of all types of unlawful discrimination, including sexual harassment, and is determined to have it eliminated wherever it occurs."
The main forms of sexual harassment noted were:
. Uninvited sexual teasing, jokes, remarks or suggestions.
. Uninvited comments about appearance.
. Uninvited comments about personal/private life.
One thousand male officers were asked the same questions as the women. A total of 642 responded and 4 per cent, or 26, said they had experienced similar difficulties.
The RUC said it had an internal grievance procedure for dealing with sexual harassment and other complaints of unlawful discrimination to which all officers had access.
"Disciplinary proceedings may also result where an individual officer has contravened sexual discrimination legislation.
"Consideration is being given to future surveys in order to allow for comparisons and to monitor progress in this very important area," it said.