Police force had culture of bullying

A former police officer claimed today the force in which he served for 30 years had a culture of bullying and victimisation.

Bernard Cambi, who was a detective constable while employed by Surrey Police, said colleagues were made to feel fearful and uneasy by their superiors.

And he said many were "bullied into submission" during their time with the force.

Speaking at the employment tribunal of his former fellow officer, Alison Wheeler, Mr Cambi said: "There have been instances of bullying of staff at Epsom, made worse by the expectation that colleagues would inform on each other, which caused a very uneasy and fearful atmosphere in the offices."

Mr Cambi, 63, resigned from the force himself in December 2007 before going on to work with the Met Police.

But he said his experience with the force had not been a wholly pleasant one.

He added: "The team members weren't allowed to think for themselves but were bullied into submission."

He said Miss Wheeler was reprimanded "unnecessarily" by others within the force, supporting her claims of unfair dismissal.

Miss Wheeler, who now works part time as a singing teacher, has launched a legal battle against Surrey Police.

The former public schoolgirl is seeking around £350,000 in compensation for her dismissal, which she claims was "sexist" and "ageist".

She told the employment tribunal in Croydon, south London, she was bullied while working for Surrey Police because of her background.

Miss Wheeler claims she acted in accordance with the requirements of her job.