WIREDGOV

A misconduct hearing has decided an Avon and Somerset officer would have been dismissed had he not already resigned, after an investigation into allegations that he abused his position by engaging in inappropriate behaviour towards two vulnerable women.

PC Jason Vernon, who resigned in February, pursued an improper sexual, emotional and/or personal relationship by attending the home of a victim of domestic abuse with a bottle of wine and sending inappropriate emails to another woman.

Our investigation found a case to answer for gross misconduct for breaching the authority, respect and courtesy standards of professional behaviour, which was proven at a hearing held by Avon and Somerset Constabulary recently (08 March 2019).

Operations Manager Mel Evans recently said:

“Police officers are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional behaviour and the misconduct hearing has determined, having considered the evidence, that the sanction of dismissal is the most appropriate outcome in this case.” 

Our investigation began in May 2018 following a referral from Avon and Somerset Constabulary and concluded in November.

Mr Vernon will now be placed on the barred list of former officers who cannot work for the police service in the future.