A police officer has been sacked for having a sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman.
PC Sean Ford of Dorset Police, began the relationship after taking a statement from the woman in connection to a police investigation. It’s understood that he knew the woman for several years before the incident.
The officer was found guilty of gross misconduct during a two-day day disciplinary hearing and was dismissed.
The hearing heard PC Ford posed as a “knight in shining armour” after visiting the woman’s home to interview her and take a statement following allegations of abuse.
Dorset Police said PC Ford had breached the standards of professional behaviour of honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.
He has been placed on the national policing barred list.
Dorset Police’s lead for professional standards Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya said the incident was “disappointing that an officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct.”
“The public expect and deserve to have trust and confidence in their police force, so I hope the outcome of this case sends out a clear message to our officers, staff and to the public that we take misconduct very seriously and we will fully and robustly investigate anyone who is suspected of not conducting themselves in accordance with the standards expected,” he said.
