The allegation was that the officer, who cannot be named for legal and safeguarding reasons, conducted a sexual relationship with a vulnerable victim who he had met in the course of his duties. As a result of this relationship, the officer breached the police standards of professional behaviour.
The officer met the victim when he attended an incident in which she had been sexually assaulted. Although he was not the designated officer in the case, he did subsequently visit her to check on her wellbeing. Soon after the incident he started to communicate via mobile phone with the victim which developed over time into a sexual relationship.
In determining that the officer should be dismissed without notice, Chief Constable Debbie Simpson said: “This was a serious breach of Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012. The fact that he instigated and maintained a hidden sexual relationship with a vulnerable victim of abuse severely undermines the trust and confidence required in providing a policing service.
“Each role within the police family impacts on maintaining trust and confidence and professional behaviour is necessary in all roles, not just frontline operational posts. I therefore believe it to be untenable that an officer who has admitted gross misconduct in the circumstances outlined in this case can hold a position within the police service. I am confident that I would be supported in that assertion by members of the public.”
The hearing took place on Friday 15 September 2017.
