Officer found guilty of Gross Misconduct is dismissed from force with immediate effect

Detective Sergeant John Fitzpatrick has today been found guilty of two counts of Gross Misconduct and two counts of Misconduct at a Gross Misconduct hearing which lasted several days. It was proved that Fitzpatrick breached standards of professional behaviour relating to confidentiality, discreditable conduct, orders and instructions, and duties and responsibilities.  The hearing panel dismissed Fitzpatrick without notice.

Temporary Superintendent, Karen Naunton, Head of Cleveland Police’s Department of Standards and Ethics, said:

“Putting victims at the heart of everything we do and acting with the highest standards of professional behaviour is of paramount importance to Cleveland Police – anyone who falls short of these standards, regardless of role or rank, will not remain in this force.

“The Police hold a unique position with access to sensitive information. Confidentiality   is crucial, both in ensuring that information is not passed without a policing purpose, but also in ensuring the information is stored correctly - protecting people and investigations.

“The findings show that Fitzpatrick chose to ignore this crucial practice and subsequently brought discredit to the police service. His behaviour was unethical, and this is not something we tolerate here in Cleveland Police.

“We will continue to demand the very highest standards from each and every officer and member of staff within Cleveland Police and take robust action when this is found not to be the case.”