Former police officer found guilty of gross misconduct
Following a high number of misconduct hearings in recent times, another former Dorset Police officer has been found to have committed gross misconduct following an accelerated public misconduct hearing.
The hearing was held at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, in respect of former PC James McClements.
It was alleged that former PC McClements’ behaviour had fallen below the standards of professional behaviour in that during the period from 30 November 2023 and 6 November 2024, he engaged in an intimate relationship with a victim of domestic abuse, and the nature of this conduct was inappropriate and unprofessional.
McClements subsequently resigned from Dorset Police in April 2025 and was charged with the offence of misconduct in public office. On Friday 10 April 2026 he pleaded guilty to this offence and is due to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday 16 June 2026.
Former PC McClements was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour concerning discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy and duties and responsibilities and at the hearing it was determined that he had committed gross misconduct. The chair of the hearing concluded that he would have been dismissed from the Force had he not already resigned, and he was also placed on the barred list.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell, of Dorset Police, said: “This former officer pursued a sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman who was putting her trust in the police and this trust was broken.
“I want to make it abundantly clear that this is not acceptable and this former officer is not representative of the Force.
“We have a duty to always adhere to the highest standards of behaviour and integrity and protect vulnerable members of our communities. Unfortunately, McClements fell well below these standards.
“Our Professional Standards Department carried out a robust investigation to ensure that McClements was brought to justice and could no longer serve as an officer.
“We are committed to investigating unethical or unacceptable behaviour relating to a member of our organisation and I would encourage the public to report any concerns to the Force so they can be thoroughly investigated.”
There are a number of ways the public can report matters. You can provide information you have about a serving police officer, staff member or volunteer in the UK to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, which is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 085 0000 or via the Crimestoppers’ website.
