WIREDGOV

A chief inspector alleged to have engaged in sexual activity while on duty with a former victim of crime as well as with a fellow officer will face a gross misconduct hearing.

The Sussex Police officer is said to have met with a woman he knew to be a former victim of domestic violence in late 2014 and early 2016 for sex while he was on duty.

He is also alleged to have met with a police sergeant on at least one occasion the following year to engage in sexual activity while both officers were on duty.

The sergeant will also face a gross misconduct hearing.

It is also alleged that the two officers travelled to meet up during work hours when there was no work-related purpose, and repeatedly used Sussex Police communications systems to exchange messages where there was no work purpose.

Further, the sergeant is alleged to have failed to be contactable when a fatal crash took place while she was on duty and to have inappropriately contacted a witness to the IOPC investigation.

We launched an investigation in March 2017 following a voluntary referral from Sussex Police and completed our final report in August 2018.

We concluded that if proven, the behaviour would be a breach of standards of authority, respect and courtesy and duties and responsibilities and could amount to gross misconduct. Sussex Police agreed and a hearing will be scheduled in due course.

IOPC Regional Director Sarah Green yesterday said:

“Our opinion is that, should the allegations be proven, they would amount to gross misconduct and Sussex Police has agreed.

“It will now be down to a panel, chaired by an independent legally qualified chair, to hear all the evidence and decide whether the allegations are proven.”