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In July 2020, two women made a report to Cleveland Police that an officer from the force had abused his position for a sexual purpose approximately 20 years earlier, when the women were both children.
The women provided an account stating that an officer had picked them up in his car, whilst he was off-duty, and took them to a hotel where sexual activity took place.
The allegations were investigated by the Counter Corruption Unit, leading to the suspect being identified as a current serving officer, PC X.
PC X was suspended from duty and subject of a criminal and Gross Misconduct Investigation. During an interview, the officer accepted knowing the children from previous on-duty interactions, picking them up in his car whilst he was off duty and listening to music with them. PC X denied that they attended a hotel and sexual activity having taken place.
Insufficient evidence prevented the Counter Corruption Unit from pursuing criminal charges, however the officer was directed to a public Gross Misconduct hearing on 26th, 27th June and 3rd to 5th July 2024.
Following the hearing on July 5th 2024 the panel determined that Cleveland Police could not prove the sexual activity took place whilst PC X was a serving police officer and found no case to answer in respect of all the allegations.
The panel placed a legal restriction on the identity of the officer, and that restriction remains.
Following the outcome of the Gross Misconduct Hearing, PC X’s vetting has been suspended pending a full review. This is in line with national process and is a legal requirement following a misconduct case.
Head of Vetting and Counter Corruption for Cleveland Police, Detective Chief Inspector John Bonner said:
“Preventing sexual misconduct is of paramount importance to Cleveland Police. We will thoroughly investigate all reports of this nature and if a case is found following an investigation, we seek to immediately dismiss officers and bar them from the police service.
“Cleveland Police has been recognised as having national best practice in how the force monitors, manages and investigates concerns of sexual misconduct. This was highlighted by the HMICFRS in their report following the review of forces effectiveness of Counter Corruption and Vetting published in June 2023.
“If you or someone you know has experienced inappropriate sexual behaviour by a police officer or staff member, whenever this may have happened, I would encourage you to report it. We have specially trained officers who will support you through the investigation and any criminal justice process, alongside partner agencies.
“You can report concerns directly to the force, or alternatively reports can be to the IOPC or anonymously through Crimestoppers Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service The Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service on 0800 085 0000 or via their website.”