WIREDGOV

A Suffolk Constabulary officer was given a final written warning on Monday 10 January after a disciplinary hearing was told that he had attempted to form an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable woman he came into contact with during the course of his duties. The hearing was organised by the force and headed by an independent, legally qualified chair, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Police Constable (PC) Adam Long, 45, accepted gross misconduct charges prior to the hearing. The standards the officer accepted he had breached were authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct and integrity.

Evidence gathered during our investigation indicated that PC Long attempted to form an improper relationship with a woman who had been a victim of domestic violence. Between February and March 2021, he sent her a string of text messages which he accepted were unprofessional and inappropriate. He suggested meeting the woman at her home although it appeared they never actually met or spoke directly to each other. When the woman interpreted messages sent by him as an attempt to form a sexual relationship she challenged him about his behaviour and broke off contact.

Our five-month investigation began in March last year following a complaint referral from Suffolk Constabulary and on its completion we concluded that PC Long had a case to answer to gross misconduct.

IOPC Regional Director Graham Beesley recently said:

“Officers receive training emphasising the importance of maintaining strict professional boundaries with people they come into contact with during the course of their work. This is essential for maintaining public confidence in policing. The allegations were aggravated in this case as PC Long knew the woman was vulnerable. The disciplinary panel found that his actions had stepped over the boundary and the final written warning he has received will stay in place for five years.”

During our investigation we obtained screenshots of the messages from the woman’s phone. PC Long provided a statement under caution.