Devon and Cornwall police officer sacked after sending texts to vulnerable woman
PC Christopher Caley was dismissed with immediate effect following a misconduct hearing
Last updated 27th Nov 2020
A Devon and Cornwall police officer, who tried to pursue a relationship with a vulnerable women who he met while attending an incident, has been sacked with immediate effect.
PC Christopher Caley faced allegations that in 2019 he had breached the codes of professional standards for police officers, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
During a misconduct hearing, a panel heard how PC Caley had attended an incident where a female complainant was concerned about the presence of her ex-partner at her place of work.
PC Caley attended the scene. In the course of dealing with the complaint PC Caley received among other details, the complainants telephone number.
He very soon afterwards began messaging the complainant seeking and intending to pursue a personal relationship with her. She politely resisted his advances. PC Caley’s attempts persisted for a 2-month period.
The panel agreed that his actions amounted to gross misconduct. He had abused the trust placed in a police officer by a complainant who was vulnerable by reason of her concerns and circumstances which gave rise to the initial call for help.
He had misused the information provided to him in the course of his duties and used it for his own personal gain. He has pursued an inappropriate relationship. His actions had and were likely to damage the public’s confidence in the police.
The Panel accepted the officer’s admissions to each allegation and agreed that the conduct amounted to gross misconduct and PC Caley was dismissed without notice following the hearing which concluded on Tuesday 17 November.
His details will also be submitted to the College of Policing Barred List, preventing him from working within policing.
“Such conduct fell well below the standards expected from officers and staff.
“This dismissal was necessary to uphold the high standards we expect in Devon and Cornwall Police. This also sends out a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated, and action will be taken if officers or staff fall below our standards.
Deputy Chief Constable Jim Nye