Gross Misconduct outcome

Today (Wednesday 12 June 2024), former officer Phil Johnson was found guilty of four counts of Gross Misconduct relating to Honesty and Integrity, Discreditable Conduct, Breach of Confidentiality and Fitness for Duty.

Detective Chief Inspector John Bonner Head of Vetting & Counter Corruption Unit, said:

“Cleveland Police uses auditing software to proactively monitor all electronic communication devices, such as laptops, mobile phones, and radios owned by the force. The core purpose of this, is to ensure our officers and staff can work in the safest environment possible and not put themselves, or anyone else, at risk. 

“In September 2021, those systems alerted us to suspicious activity of a serving officer, Mr Phil Johnson, relating to his communication and movements, particularly outside of the Cleveland area. These occurred whilst Mr Johnson was meant to be on duty.

“A misconduct investigation started immediately, which identified Mr Johnson had been meeting with members of the public for the purpose of having sexual relationships. Those members of the public were not people he had met through the course of his duties, they were relationships he had formed in his private life.

“The investigation also led to information being received that Mr Johnson was misusing drugs. He was subsequently subjected to a drug test, which resulted in Anabolic Steroids being found in his system.

“In addition, the investigation determined that Mr Johnson had disclosed police information to a member of the public.

“Mr Johnson provided a series of dishonest statements during the investigation, and he resigned in March 2024. Despite resigning, he was still directed to a Gross Misconduct hearing. Cleveland Police do this to seek an individual being barred from the police service.

“All new Police Officer recruits and transferees are subject of drug testing and the Counter Corruption Unit proactively conduct over 200 random alcohol and drug tests each year on serving officers, and more of these are passed by officers.

“Mr Johnson does not represent the vast majority of hard working and honest Police officers. Today’s finding of Gross Misconduct and sanction of dismissal, had Mr Johnson still been a serving officer, ensures that he will never again be able to represent the Police service in any capacity.

“This outcome sends a clear message that we will not tolerate any officer who does not act in accordance with the required standards of professional behaviour”.