WIREDGOV

A West Yorkshire Police officer has been dismissed, without notice, following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

Police constable (PC) Mark Beardsley was investigated following allegations in June 2018, in relation to his work as a Safer Schools Officer alleging, he did not respond appropriately when informed that a child under 13 was having sexual intercourse with a number of individuals.

Our investigation, completed in April this year, found that PC Beardsley failed to record the information as a crime, did not initiate an investigation, or refer the matter for the purposes of further safeguarding the child.

We recommended to the West Yorkshire Police force that the officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct. They agreed with our findings and scheduled a private gross misconducthearing which took place between 16 - 18 July this year. The independent panel, arranged by West Yorkshire Police, found the case against PC Beardsley proven and they made the decision to dismiss him without notice.

IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle yesterday said:

“This was a child who was a potential victim of child sexual exploitation. PC Beardsley’s failure to initiate safeguarding measures, or a criminal investigation, put that child at further risk of harm. PC Beardsley’s actions were not of the professional standards the majority of police officers and staff uphold. The panel’s decision confirms that inaction is unacceptable.”