A Dorset Police sergeant who was on a secondment from the Force to the national Police Federation has been given a final written warning following a public misconduct hearing.
Between Tuesday 22 February and Friday 25 February 2022, a misconduct hearing was held at Dorset Police headquarters in Winfrith to consider allegations that Police Sergeant Simon Kempton’s behaviour breached the appropriate standards of professional behaviour concerning authority, respect and courtesy, orders and instructions, duties and responsibilities and confidentiality.
It was alleged that Sergeant Kempton’s conduct was discreditable in that he failed to abide by the code of ethics, professional standards of behaviour and various codes and policies concerning the use of digital media.
Following the appearance of former Metropolitan Police Constable Wayne Couzens at Westminster Magistrates Court on Saturday 13 March 2021, who was charged with the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard, PS Kempton posted a series of messages on a group chat in which he disclosed evidence that had been revealed during the hearing, which was subject to reporting restrictions.
The panel found three of the standards of professional behaviour had been breached, namely discreditable conduct, duties and responsibilities and authority, respect and courtesy. Misconduct was found proven. However, it found that the allegations in respect of breaches of the standards for orders and instructions and confidentiality were not proven.
In his mitigating submissions to the independent panel Sergeant Kempton showed considerable remorse and apologised for his action. The officer received a final written warning, which will last for two years.
Following the hearing, Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya, Dorset Police’s lead for professional standards, said: “Our officers are duty bound to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity at all times, irrespective of whether they conduct their duties in Dorset Police or are seconded to another organisation.
“Following an independent investigation by the IOPC, this case was referred to an independently chaired panel, which made the decision that the officer had committed misconduct.
“It is disappointing that a hearing had to find an officer guilty of misconduct, especially as it was in relation to an abhorrent crime, where the reputation of the police service nationally was already very much under scrutiny.
“Locally and nationally the public expect and deserve to have trust and confidence in the police. This trust is immensely important to us and I hope the outcome of this case sends out a clear message that we take misconduct very seriously and will not tolerate any behaviour that falls below the standards expected.
“If you have any concerns in respect of any member of the organisation who is alleged to have failed to maintain the highest of standards and behaviour, we would encourage you to please report your concerns to Dorset Police so they can be thoroughly investigated.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Dorset’s residents and communities deserve to have trust in their police service and every incident of this nature erodes that trust.
“Sergeant Kempton showed no regard to the abhorrent crime that was committed against Sarah Everard and has, quite rightly had to face the consequences of his actions.
“Both I and the Chief Constable take misconduct very seriously and I vow to work alongside him to ensure that the high standards that Dorset Police expects of its officers, staff and volunteers are upheld.”
Anyone can report any concerns to Dorset Police by calling 101 or emailing [email protected]. Alternatively, members of the public can contact the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – details of which can be found via their website www.policeconduct.gov.uk or anonymously via the Crimestoppers charity online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or freephone 0800 555 111.
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