Investigation into inappropriate behaviour by cadet team leader – West Yorkshire Police, November 2022

In November 2022, West Yorkshire Police (WYP) were made aware of concerns about a male officer who served as a Safer Schools Officer and Volunteer Police Cadet Team Leader.

It was reported that the officer may have acted inappropriately towards two female cadets, aged 14 and 15 years old, as well as other female students over a period of just over two years.

Reported inappropriate behaviour included using female students as part of a police operation, taking students to places without other adults present, buying gifts, hugging students, taking photographs of a student, and making inappropriate comments.

The officer was arrested by WYP for misconduct in public office. He was suspended from duty and WYP began an investigation under our direction. During the investigation further concerns were raised that the officer had formed inappropriate relationships with students and made inappropriate comments to staff at the school.

A number of lines of enquiry were followed, including identifying more than 40 witnesses, analysing digital devices and scrutinising information on police systems. The officer was interviewed under criminal and misconduct caution.

We found that the officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct in relation to 20 out of the 22 concerns reported. The officer would have attended a misconduct hearing, but he took his own life, making a hearing impossible.

We carefully considered whether there were any learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

We found learning opportunities for WYP in relation to the working practices of Safer Schools Officers and Cadet Leaders. Some of these included further vetting for Safer Schools Officers, as well as clear guidance about safeguarding. We recommended that body worn video should be used by Safer Schools Officers on home visits.

We recommended that all Cadet Leaders be subject to management vetting and enhanced DBS, including volunteers. Police and social media checks should be made on people applying for the role, with regular checks made thereafter.