'Stricter action' could have been taken against Bucks police officer found guilty of sexual offence

Earlier this month, 24-year-old Luke Horner was sentenced to six years and four months in prison following a guilty plea to one count of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child aged 13-15.

The incident took place while Horner was off-duty in Rushden, Northamptonshire, on 11 June 2023.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Police, Matthew Barber, commissioned His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to consider how the force dealt with intelligence and information relating to PC Horner during his service.

Mr Barber said: "As Police and Crime Commissioner, I need to be satisfied that Thames Valley Police has appropriate processes in place in the vetting and performance management of its officers and staff to effectively root out corruption and misconduct."

The report found Thames Valley Police could not have reasonably anticipated Horner would commit this crime, however the inspection found the police force to have 'lost opportunities' to take stricter action.

HMICFRS found that the force lost at least five opportunities to do so at the initial vetting stage and during Horner's police service.

If stricter action had been taken, the inspectorate found he could have been refused initial vetting clearance or been dismissed.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Roy Wilsher, said: “Having robust vetting processes is vital for forces in being able to identify any misconduct, dismiss officers and staff if they are not fit for the job and prevent unsuitable officers joining in the first place.

“While we found that Thames Valley Police could not have reasonably anticipated PC Horner would commit such an abhorrent crime, we found at least five lost opportunities where the force could have taken stricter action against him.

“It is very clear, particularly when considered alongside other incidents which took place during his police service, PC Horner was not suited to being a police officer.

“We have identified several areas of learning which we encourage the force to address. We will revisit the force as part of our rolling programme of inspections in 2024 and will look at their vetting, professional standards and counter-corruption arrangements in more detail.”

Thames Valley Police taking opportunities identified seriously

Thames Valley police said they welcomed the recommendations from HMICFRS.

They acknowledged that the report recognised they couldn't have reasonably anticipated Horner's offence, and take each of the opportunities identified seriously.

Before the review began, Thames Valley Police made changes to its vetting processes as part of national recommendations to all force's, in April this year.

This included the Central Vetting Unit conducting more in depth research on applicants, improved recording of decision making and rationale, and an increased number of vetting interviews.

In response to the report by HMICFRS, the Chief Constable of the Force has released a statement.

Thames Valley Police Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs said: “Our thoughts remain with the young girl and her family who have been affected by Horner's criminal behaviour. Such behaviour has no place in policing or in society.

"We are grateful for HMICFRS’ insight. In its report, HMICFRS highlights we could not have anticipated that Horner would end up committing such abhorrent sexual offences against a child. It also agreed with our decision to grant vetting clearance, and that our processes were consistent with national practice at the time.

“We will review each of the HMICFRS recommendations carefully to ensure that any further changes to our processes are made.

“We want to help build a police service the public trusts in and will continue to remove those who have no place in policing.”

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