Two Sussex Police officers dismissed for breaching standards of professional behaviour

The pair faced a six-day misconduct hearing at Sussex Police headquarters

Author: Vanessa BellringerPublished 13th Mar 2023

Two Sussex Police officers have been dismissed from the force after being found to have breached standards of professional behaviour.

Sergeant Victoria Ambrose and PC David Medes, both 46, faced a six-day hearing in relation to misconduct, including discreditable conduct, duties and responsibilities, challenging and reporting improper conduct and honesty and integrity.

Sgt Ambrose allegedly attended a hospital whilst on duty to support her friend, known as Witness A, and failed to declare a conflict.

She gave a false account of her role and was aware PC Mendes had formed an inappropriate relationship with Witness A – who he met on duty.

Both also failed to declare or challenge the relationship between February and September 2020.

The panel found the allegations to be proven and dismissed the officers without notice.

The hearing, led by the independent Legally Qualified Chair, also heard allegations against former police officer, Sally Agutter, 49, but these were not proven.

Chief Superintendent Steve Rayland, head of Sussex Police's Professional Standards Department, said: "We expect our officers and staff to act in accordance with the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Professional Behaviour. The actions of these officers fell far short of these which is reflected in the findings by the panel.

“The unacceptable conduct that has been heard here will not be tolerated but this poor behaviour should not overshadow the hard work by the vast majority of our officers, staff and volunteers within Sussex Police."

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