Telford police officer is sacked over relationship

The officer, who had served for 26 years with West Mercia Police, was dismissed following the outcome of a two-day disciplinary hearing this week.

Police have refused to identify the officer, if they are male or female, or expand upon the details of the "inappropriate relationship".

However, Detective Superintendent Gary Watson, head of professional standards at the force, said the behaviour involved in the incident amounted to a breach of "honesty and integrity".

He said: "The misconduct hearing found that the behaviour of the officer fell below the standards we expect from our officers and staff and amounted to a breach of the standards of professional behaviour, namely discreditable conduct and a breach of honesty and integrity.

"This fell outside the expectations made clear in our code of ethics and it is for this reason they were dismissed."

The hearing was conducted by West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Cann and followed a professional standards investigation that commenced when an allegation was made against the officer that they had formed an inappropriate relationship.

Hazel Nicholas, a spokesperson for West Mercia Police, said that it has been force policy not to identify officers unless they are charged with a criminal offence.

She said: "The Home Secretary announced that from May 1 police disciplinary hearings will be held in public. However because misconduct papers were served on the officer prior to May 1, the hearing was heard under the previous misconduct guidelines.

"Under the previous arrangements, officers are not named unless they are subject to criminal proceedings."

Police say the outcome of the misconduct hearing is subject to the normal appeals process.