Allegations of improper conduct - Metropolitan Police Service, October 2017

On 25 October 2017 the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) made a conduct referral to us regarding a number of allegations made against one of their police community support officers (PCSO). These included a claim that he had obtained the phone number of a woman while on duty and had then had a sexual relationship with her; and another claim that he had on several occasions, while on duty, asked another woman for a date, despite her refusing his advances.

After the initial referral, a further allegation was added to our investigation, namely that the PCSO provided his phone number to another woman he encountered while on duty, with a remark hinting at a possible sexual relationship.

During the investigation, our investigators interviewed the PCSO and obtained statements from his colleagues, including those who had witnessed his behaviour during the alleged incidents. We also obtained statements from two of the women whom the PCSO allegedly attempted to establish an improper relationship with, and from other witnesses.

After reviewing the evidence available, we were of the opinion that, regarding the first and third allegations, there was insufficient evidence upon which a reasonable tribunal, properly directed, could find misconduct against the PCSO.

In respect of the second allegation (asking a woman on a date on several occasions while on duty) we were of the view that there was sufficient evidence upon which a reasonable tribunal, properly directed, could find misconduct against the PCSO. We suggested that management action might be the most appropriate action to take.

After reviewing our report, the MPS agreed with our views. The force advised that the PCSO would receive management action in which he would be told how his behaviour fell short of the expectations set out in the Standards of Professional Behaviour. An improvement plan will be drawn for the PCSO, clearly identifying expectations for future conduct (including familiarisation with relevant policies and procedures).