Allegations of unprofessional conduct by officer - Merseyside Police, June 2017

In June 2017 a woman contacted Merseyside Police to allege that one of its officers had engaged in consensual sexual activity with her while on duty, claimed overtime on days when he had spent time with her during his shift, and used police vehicles to meet with her and provide her with transportation. She further alleged that the officer had disclosed sensitive information to her regarding ongoing investigations during their relationship.

During the investigation, investigators interviewed the officer, examined his work mobile phone data and obtained statements from his colleagues. They also examined vehicle usage data and overtime claims in respect of the officer concerned. The woman provided evidence of the relationship and meetings by way of messages she had retained on her mobile phone and computer.

Based on the evidence available we were of the opinion that the officer had no case to answer in respect of the woman’s allegations that he conducted a sexual relationship with her while on his shifts, or that he claimed overtime payments during times he had spent with her.

However, we were also of the opinion that the officer may have a case to answer for misconduct for using police vehicles to conduct his relationship with the woman and to transport her during the time they had an affair, and for disclosing to her information regarding ongoing criminal and misconduct investigations.

After reviewing our report Merseyside Police agreed that the officer had a case to answer for misconduct. They proposed to deal with this through immediate management action, supported by a documented improvement plan clearly detailing the breaches, and expected standards of behaviour in future.

The force also identified learning, including a review of procedures around management of police vehicle keys and use of police vehicles, requirements for operational investigation officers to carry their police radio on duty when they leave the station and a reminder regarding acceptable use of social media during work time. Merseyside Police advised that they would address these via the functional leads and relevant policy managers.

We agreed that their proposals were appropriate in the circumstances.