WIREDGOV

A Bedfordshire Police detective constable (DC) has received a final written warning at a misconduct hearing arranged by the force, following our investigation.

He was investigated following allegations that he had inappropriate contact with a vulnerable woman he met during the course of his duties.

It was alleged he breached the standards of professional behaviour of respect and courtesy by arranging to meet with the woman socially, outside of working hours.

Our investigation – started in August 2019 and completed in March 2020 – found evidence of a case to answer for gross misconduct for the officer and Bedfordshire Police agreed with our findings.

They scheduled a hearing which took place on 2 – 4 November 2020.

The panel overseeing the hearing, including an independent legally qualified chair, found the case proven at misconduct level rather than gross misconduct for the officer.

He was given a final written warning.

IOPC Regional Director Graham Beesley yesterday said:

“The officer breached police professional standards of behaviour by inappropriately engaging with a member of the public, whom he had met during the course of his official duties.

“The public expects police officers to maintain exemplary standards of integrity and professionalism.

“Bedfordshire Police’s response to our investigation and the panel’s decision shows that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”