A former superintendent has been found guilty of gross misconduct relating to the inappropriate use of hire cars and false expenses claims while he was serving with Dorset Police.
Michael Rogers, who retired as a superintendent in May 2021, appeared at a misconduct hearing at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith between Wednesday 27 October and Wednesday 3 November 2021 in relation to allegations that he had breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to honesty and integrity, as well as those concerning orders and instructions, duties and responsibilities and conduct.
It was found that between July 2015 and March 2019 Mr Rogers had used hire or pool vehicles for work and for private journeys when he knew that he should not do so, knowingly declared less private mileage than he had travelled and submitted claims for expenses that he had not incurred.
The panel was told that between July 2015 and October 2016 Mr Rogers was claiming for essential vehicle user allowance, which compensated him for using his personal vehicle while carrying out his duties. However, he was still regularly using pool or hire vehicles at the Force’s expense. He was also using these vehicles for private journeys.
From November 2016 Mr Rogers took possession of a force vehicle, which he was free to use as he wished but was required to declare his personal mileage. It was alleged that Mr Rogers had substantially under declared how much private mileage he had undertaken between November 2016 to March 2019. He faced further allegations in relation to making additional claims for expenses, such as meals where he claimed for more than he spent.
The hearing panel, led by an independent legally qualified chair, determined that Mr Rogers had breached the standards of professional behaviour and was guilty of gross misconduct. It was determined that, had he still been employed by Dorset Police, he would have been dismissed.
Following the hearing, Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya, Dorset Police’s lead for professional standards, said: “We expect the highest standards of professionalism and integrity at all times from our officers, particularly those in senior positions.
“It is hugely disappointing that a former superintendent has been found guilty of gross misconduct. Dorset Police expects everyone in the service to operate with honesty and integrity in everything they do.
“The former superintendent was in a position of authority where they should have acted as a role model to others and led professional standards across their teams and the wider organisation.
“In this case their dishonest behaviour has been proven to have fallen short of our expectations. Had the individual not already left the organisation, the outcome of the hearing would have led to dismissal.
“I would like to assure the public that we respond decisively to allegations against officers and staff of all levels and ranks and we will hold them to account when they fail to adhere to the high standards the Force, our public and communities expect of them.
“If you have any concerns in respect of any member of the organisation, we encourage you to report them to Dorset Police so they can be thoroughly investigated.”
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.
