Allegations of inappropriate relationship between an officer and a vulnerable woman - Surrey Police, July 2017

Surrey Police made a referral to us in July 2017 after the force became aware one of its officers may have attempted to form a relationship with a woman he knew to be vulnerable.

During our investigation it was established that the officer was called to the woman’s house regarding a domestic disturbance on 15 June 2017. He then made contact with her three days later and arranged to meet her at her home on the evening of 20 June 2017. Our investigation found evidence that the officer was due to work a night shift but reported in sick.

On 27 June the woman contacted the officer to say she had been advised that she should not be in contact with him anymore.

GPS data revealed the officer was in the vicinity of the woman’s home eight times between 25 June and 6 July, while he was both off and on duty. He made one visit shortly after midnight.

On 6 July the officer informed an inspector of his meeting with the woman and was told not to contact her again under any circumstances. He did not reveal his other visits to her home. Data shows the officer continued to attend the woman’s home after 6 July.

Based on the evidence available, we were of the opinion that the officer may have a case to answer for gross misconduct. We completed our investigation in January 2018.

After reviewing our report, Surrey Police was of the opinion that this was a performance matter which did not justify disciplinary proceedings. In June 2018 we directed that a gross misconduct hearing take place.

In February 2019 a misconduct panel concluded the officer had committed misconduct (not gross misconduct). As the officer had resigned from the force while our investigation was taking place, there was no sanction.