Devon and Cornwall police officer sacked for sending explicit messages
PC J was found guilty of gross misconduct and has been dismissed without notice.
A serving police officer from Devon and Cornwall Police has been found guilty of gross misconduct by breaching the standard of professional behavior expected from a police officer.
The gross misconduct hearing, which took place on Thursday 5 November this year, came after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation into allegations which were reported in 2018.
The allegations included that PC J had taken contact details of two vulnerable women from a police system and contacted them using his personal phone number. The officer also exchanged sexually explicit images and messages with one of the women whilst on duty.
He was subsequently suspended from the force in October 2018.
Following the public hearing this month, a panel concluded that all the allegations presented were proven, including that the officer had met a member of the public in course of his duties and used that person’s personal contact information in order to pursue a personal relationship.
The panel also found that he exchanged a considerable number of sexually explicit messages, including WhatsApp, text and video messages, with the member of the public whilst on duty, and he failed in his duties to properly update the victim as to the status of the criminal investigation.
After the conclusion of the hearing, the panel determined that the officer would be dismissed without notice. His details will now be submitted to the College of Policing Barred List, preventing him from working within policing.
“Devon and Cornwall Police take all reports of abuse of position very seriously. The vast majority of our officers and staff go to work every day to help the public and keep them safe from harm.
“PC J took advantage of these women, who were considered to be vulnerable, at a time when they had approached the police for help and support.
“This type of behaviour has undoubtedly eroded the women’s trust and confidence in policing. The officer’s behaviour was absolutely unacceptable, damaging to our reputation and will not be tolerated by Devon and Cornwall Police or the communities we serve.”
“If you suspect a member of the Force is abusing their position, e.g. engaging in or pursuing an emotional or sexual relationship with a victim of crime or a witness or contacting you or someone you know whilst off duty or via personal telephone numbers, then please report your concerns to Devon and Cornwall Police.”
Deputy Chief Constable, Jim Nye
Reports of concern can be reported to Devon and Cornwall Police by calling 101 or emailing professional.standards@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk. Internally staff can also report their concerns confidentially via Bad Apple.
Alternatively members of the public can contact the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – details of which can be found via their website here or anonymously via the CrimeStoppers charity online or freephone 0800 555 111.