Former Wiltshire Police officer found guilty of gross misconduct
PC Stephen Yeates resigned in August
Last updated 6th Sep 2024
A former Wiltshire Police officer would have been sacked without notice - had he not already resigned - after a misconduct panel ruled his actions amounted to gross misconduct.
A hearing at Wiltshire Police HQ this week found that PC Stephen Yeates breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for police officers for authority, respect and courtesy and equality and diversity.
He had resigned in August this year.
The hearing was chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith.
Whilst off duty in February 2024, Yeates met an individual through an online dating app.
Over the course of a week, he sent an offensive video as well as acting in a sexually inappropriate manner towards the person both in person and online, which was unwanted.
The panel considered one allegation broken down into 24 points, with 20 found proven against former PC Yeates, concluding that, had he not resigned, he would have been dismissed without notice.
He has also been placed on the barred and advisory list.
Deputy Chief Constable Craig Dibdin said:
“The behaviour displayed by former PC Yeates falls short of the very high standards we expect of both officers and staff, on and off duty. We are extremely grateful to the witness in this case who assisted us with our investigation into his behaviour.
“I would like to underline the importance of officers upholding high standards of behaviour at all times and would urge members of our communities to report any concerns where they believe behaviour of our officers and staff has fallen short.”
Mr Yeates has 10 working days to appeal the outcome.