WIREDGOV

A West Midlands Police officer has been disciplined following our investigation into his forming of an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable woman while on duty.

We investigated allegations that Police Constable Matthew Crowe had been involved in an improper emotional and sexual relationship with the woman between April and October last year (2017). He had come into contact with her in the course of his professional duties and given her his personal mobile number. The relationship ended when he disclosed the matter to a supervisor after receiving a presentation about maintaining professional boundaries with members of the public.

The force agreed with our investigation’s conclusion that the officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct and that was proven at a disciplinary hearing held before an independently chaired panel at West Midlands Police headquarters recently (14 November).

PC Crowe accepted that his conduct had breached professional standards of Authority, Respect and Courtesy and he was given a final written warning after the panel also found that he had breached standards relating to his Duties and Responsibilities and Discreditable Conduct.   

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell yesterday said: “All officers are in a position of trust and authority in relation to members of the public and such conduct can cause substantial damage to public trust and confidence in the police. That is amplified in cases such as this where the subject of the officer’s behaviour is deemed to be vulnerable.”

Our investigation began following a referral from the force in November last year and was completed in May (2018).