Northamptonshire PC given written warning for gross misconduct
The officer developed into a personal relationship with someone he met whilst at work
A Northamptonshire police officer has been given a final written warning following a gross misconduct hearing.
It was alleged that PC 1337 Russell Barnes breached the standards of professional behaviour when on November 9, 2021 he encountered a broken-down vehicle and drove the driver home.
Thereafter, he entered into communications with the driver, which were of a personal nature and which developed into a personal relationship.
It was alleged the conduct represented a lack of integrity, was otherwise in accordance with Northamptonshire Police Policy and undermined public confidence in policing.
The officer was present at the hearing held at Force Headquarters between November 17 and 18 and admitted the allegations.
The panel considered the available evidence, finding all standards of professional behaviour had been breached and the matter proved to the level of Gross Misconduct.
The panel determined that the most suitable outcome was a Final Written Warning, lasting five years which the panel noted “will redress any potential loss of public confidence and will send a message to PC Barnes’s colleagues that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated by Northamptonshire Police.
"The panel formed the view that imposing this outcome will deter others from similar conduct and reassure members of the public of the high standards to which police officers are rightfully held”.