Staffordshire Police officer 'would have been dismissed had he not resigned following breach of standards'

The investigation by Staffordshire Police's Professional Standards Department found that the former police constable, who has been granted anonymity, contacted sex workers and engaged in sexual activity with them, in exchange for payment and happened while the officer was off-duty.

The officer resigned earlier this month, with a one-day accelerated misconduct hearing being held on Thursday, and finding that the officer had breached the standards of professional behaviour. 

Staffordshire Police said the standard requires police officers to behave in manner which does not bring discredit on the police service or undermine public confidence in policing and applies to officers both on or off duty.

The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) also outlines the necessity to pursue disciplinary investigations in all circumstances involving police employees accessing a physically provided sexual service. 

It said the guidance identifies the significant risk that to public trust involving officers and staff accessing sexual services, outlining that it clearly compromises their professional position.

Following the hearing, Staffordshire Police said the officer will be placed on the national College of Policing’s Barred List, preventing him from working within policing and other law enforcement bodies.

Acting Assistant Chief Constable Sally Blaiklock said: “We expect all of our officers, staff and volunteers to act with the highest level of integrity and professional behaviour, both on and off duty.

“The actions of the officer in this case is not a reflection on the vast majority of our officers, staff, and volunteers who are professional, dedicated individuals who act with integrity and strive to maintain the highest possible standards of conduct, both on and off duty.”