A former police officer sent inappropriate messages to a drug suspect, breaching professional conduct and raising serious concerns about police integrity
He kept messaging her even when he knew it was wrong. When she threatened to report him, he begged her not to, saying it would ruin his life. The disciplinary hearing found he acted inappropriately, breaching professional standards.
The officer was part of a team that arrested the woman’s partner during a raid. After finding drugs, she was released but still under investigation. He sent her multiple messages on his personal phone, which had nothing to do with his job.
The panel noted that he tried to pursue a personal relationship with her, which was a clear abuse of his position. His messages were not just unprofessional; they were downright inappropriate.
In one of his messages, he even joked about her profile picture, saying it was ‘insane’. He continued to flirt, asking for personal photos and commenting on her hair. The woman eventually told him she wanted no more contact and would inform the police.
He admitted during the investigation that he shouldn’t have contacted her. The report highlighted that he was aware of the rules against such behavior. He resigned from the force last August, but his actions were seen as deliberate and harmful to public trust in the police.
The misconduct hearing emphasized the seriousness of his actions, especially given the ongoing concerns about police relationships with vulnerable individuals. It’s a troubling situation that raises questions about accountability within the police force.
