A “predatory and manipulative” former police constable has been barred from ever serving again after having inappropriate sexual relationships with vulnerable people.
Ed Farrow, who was based in Bridgwater, would have been dismissed from Avon and Somerset Police if he had not already resigned.
He entered into inappropriate sexual relationships with vulnerable members of the public; disclosed confidential information about investigations, including a murder case; and failed to take appropriate action in response to a domestic abuse allegation.
All the allegations were found to be proven in a misconduct hearing on March 26 that was held behind closed doors to protect the two vulnerable individuals.
Detective Chief Inspector Ed Yaxley, the deputy head of professional standards at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “It was important to hold a hearing into the very serious allegations against Mr Farrow to ensure that, if proven, he would be placed on the barred list.
“There is no room in policing for officers who abuse their position, especially for a sexual purpose, or who take advantage of vulnerable people, who rightly look to us to protect them.”
A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: “We concluded our investigation in November 2019 and made a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service.
“While no charges were authorised, former PC Farrow was given a conditional caution for breaching the Data Protection Act 1998, by sharing confidential information.”
IOPC regional director Catrin Evans said: “Former PC Farrow was predatory, controlling and manipulative and has caused significant harm to the vulnerable members of the public who he met during the course of his duties.
“The ruling by the panel shows that officers who abuse their position in this way have no place in policing.”
