West Mercia officer fired over gross misconduct
PC Andrew Hope was dismissed over inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour.
An officer at West Mercia Police was dismissed after a hearing found he had been inappropriate and unprofessional when he communicated with two woman while carrying out policing duties.
A misconduct hearing for PC Andrew Hope was held on Tuesday 20 December.
An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct found that PC Hope, based in Telford, communicated with the women between July 2019 and February 2021.
He used his force-issue mobile phone to communicate with them, and attempted to conceal communication with one of them by moving contact onto social media.
The hearing found that he breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy and duties and responsibilities.
The hearing found that PC Hope’s behaviour amounted to gross misconduct and ruled that he be dismissed without notice.
The outcome of the misconduct hearing is subject to the normal appeals process.
"The actions of this officer not only let the public down, but also the vast majority of officers who work across the force."
Deputy Chief Constable Alex Murray, said: "PC Hope’s actions are not acceptable and will never be tolerated in West Mercia Police. We always strive for the highest standards and seek to remove any officers from the force who engage in this type of behaviour.
“When someone calls the police, they need to be assured that they will receive the most professional service. The actions of this officer have not only let the public down, but also the vast majority of officers who work across the force serving victims and bringing offenders to justice.”
PC Hope will be placed on the College of Policing Barred List and will not be employable within the UK Police Service.