Former Dorset Police sergeant struck off over flirtatious text messages to female student officers
He was found guilty of gross misconduct
A former Dorset Police sergeant has been found guilty of gross misconduct at a public hearing.
A misconduct hearing was held at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith yesterday (3 January) to consider allegations that the former sergeant had breached the standards of professional behaviour concerning Use of Force, Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Duties and Responsibilities.
It was found that having previously received management action by way of words of advice from a senior officer in June 2021 about pursuing an inappropriate relationship with a student officer on his team who he directly supervised, the former officer continued to pursue and establish improper emotional relationships with two other female student officers on his team.
'Improper emotion relationship'
Between Tuesday 1 June 2021 and Tuesday 31 May 2022 the former sergeant pursued and established an improper emotional relationship with a female student officer within Dorset Police.
The panel found that he had pursued a second emotional and improper relationship with another student female police officer between Tuesday 13 April 2021 and Thursday 26 May 2022.
It was found that on both occasions the former sergeant sent text messages to the women that were improper, flirtatious and of an unprofessional nature.
Both officers were junior in rank and status to him and he held direct supervisory responsibility for them.
Prior to the hearing, the officer resigned from the Force. It was determined by the hearing panel, led by an independent legally qualified chair, that the former sergeant had breached the standards of professional behaviour and was guilty of gross misconduct. It was found that, had he still been employed by Dorset Police, he would have been dismissed.
The independent legally qualified chair ruled that the officer could not be named.
'Abuse of his position'
Following the hearing, Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya, Dorset Police’s lead for professional standards, said: “It is unacceptable for a sergeant in a position of authority to pursue inappropriate relationships with colleagues under his supervision and care. This officer should have known that the relationships he was forming were unprofessional, improper and an abuse of his position.
“Our officers are duty bound to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity at all times. We promote an inclusive police service for everyone and having heard the evidence presented the misconduct hearing has found him guilty of gross misconduct.
“The outcome of this case sends out a clear message to our officers, staff and to the public that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour and robust investigations will be carried out into anyone who is suspected of misconduct.
“If you have any concerns in respect of any member of the organisation failing to uphold professional standards of behaviour, we would encourage you to please report your concerns to Dorset Police so they can be thoroughly investigated.”