Gross misconduct outcome - Police Constable

A police officer has been issued with a five-year final written warning following an accelerated misconduct hearing.

The police constable was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour, namely: honesty and integrity; authority, respect and courtesy; orders and instructions; and discreditable conduct.

The hearing found allegations that in May 2024, the officer breached the force’s Social Media Policy when issuing social media posts and that he lacked respect for members of the public. The hearing was told how the officer placed two messages on a social media platform while off duty, the content of which was found to be dishonest and/or deliberately misleading, intending his identity as a police officer to be concealed. It was found that this conduct would undermine confidence in the police service.

Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: "While the officer’s actions occurred off-duty and were to enable him to respond to perceived negative commentary of the force, I would expect any officer to have foreseen the risk these actions would have on public confidence. It was ill-thought and unacceptable.

"I do recognise that when presented with the case, the officer immediately admitted his mistake.

"I have carefully considered the full circumstances of this conduct and have concluded that gross misconduct was committed. I have issued a final written warning which will remain in place for a period of five years."

The Chief Constable has granted anonymity for the officer involved due to complex welfare reasons.