Surrey Police officers faces misconduct hearing over alleged 'inappropriate messages'

A Surrey Police officer previously awarded for “outstanding victim care” will face a misconduct hearing this week for alleged inappropriate contact with a vulnerable female victim of crime.

PC Kuldip Bhart is accused of gross misconduct after allegedly communicating with the victim on his police phone for no police purpose and sending personal messages which were “inappropriate”.

He is also accused of not notifying a line manager of the association and personal relationship.

The alleged contact took place between March and May 2020 after he came into contact with “Female A” in the course of his duties.

A two-day hearing will take place at Surrey Police’s Mount Browne headquarters this week.

PC Bhart had been presented with a Victim Care Award in November 2019 along with a colleague.

They were given the award for their work with the Safeguarding Investigations Unit, which tracks down and arrests offenders involved in serious sexual or domestic abuse.

At the time of giving the award, Surrey Police said: “Praised for ‘going above and beyond’, Kuldip and Wes are known for their relentless pursuit of offenders and their outstanding victim care, which was recognised recently when a victim described the ‘hugely positive impact’ the two officers had made on her life.”

His alleged behaviour breaches the policing standards of Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Duties & Responsibilities and Discreditable Conduct.

The hearing, postponed from a date in December because of covid, will take place on Thursday and Friday this week.