Surrey Police detective fired over inappropriate sexual relationship

A Surrey Police detective has been dismissed without notice after a misconduct hearing arranged by the force, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Detective Constable Rene Murdoch was investigated following allegations he breached police standards of professional behaviour of respect and courtesy, honesty and integrity, duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct by having sex with a member of the public he met during the course of his duties.

The allegations also included failing to notify Surrey Police of the relationship, deliberately hiding the relationship by deleting their messages and communications, as well as attempting to influence the evidence the woman gave to the investigation.

DC Murdoch, who resigned from the force just before the hearing and was working his notice period, denied three of the six allegations and admitted three others as misconduct - but the panel found they were all proven as gross misconduct.

An investigation – started in April 2019 and completed in April 2020 – found a case to answer for gross misconduct for the officer and Surrey Police agreed with the findings. They scheduled a hearing which took place on 23 November 2020.

The panel overseeing the hearing, including an independent legally-qualified chair, found the case proven and DC Murdoch has been dismissed without notice.

IOPC Regional Director Graham Beesley said: “DC Murdoch breached police professional standards of behaviour by pursuing an improper relationship with a member of the public, whom he had met during the course of his official duties. Not only did he fail to notify his superiors as he was required to do but he also actively tried to hide the relationship and interfere with our investigation.

“The public rightly expects police officers to maintain exemplary standards of integrity and professionalism and the panel’s decision to dismiss DC Murdoch immediately is an indication of how far below those standards his behaviour fell.

“The officer will now be placed on the barred list of former officers who cannot work for the police service in the future.”

In a statement Surrey Police said: “As soon as we were made aware of this matter, a referral was made to the IOPC and an independent investigation was carried out. This investigation concluded in April 2020 and found there was a case to answer for gross misconduct, which was agreed by Surrey Police.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Alison Barlow added: “Police officers play a vital role in building and maintaining trust and confidence in our local communities.

“Unfortunately one case has the ability to undermine the good work we see our staff doing every day to protect those in need. However, I hope that this case demonstrates to the public and reassures them that we will always fully investigate any complaints made against our staff where their conduct is called into question.”