UPDATED: POLICE OFFICER WHO ‘HAD INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH VULNERABLE MAN’ TO FACE MISCONDUCT HEARING

PC Howard was cleared of misconduct following a 2-day hearing in Eastleigh on Tuesday 19th March 2024. A Police officer who is alleged to have started an intimate relationship with a man, but failed to properly disclose the relationship, is to face a misconduct hearing next week. In June 2022, during the course of her duties, PC Louise Howard met a man who was presenting as vulnerable, which prompted a response from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary. Subsequent to this, PC Howard is alleged to have entered into an intimate relationship with him and failed to properly declare the relationship to her bosses. PC Howard and the gentleman in question were already known to one another. It is alleged that by developing an intimate relationship with the man, who it was known, or ought to have been known, was vulnerable, PC Howard’s conduct fell below the standards expected of Police officers. It’s said that such conduct amounts to the breach of Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of ‘Discreditable Conduct’. It is assessed that these matters individually and collectively amount to gross misconduct, and that if proved, is so serious that this officer’s dismissal could be justified. A misconduct hearing will get underway at Holiday Inn, Eastleigh on Monday (18th March) and is expected to last 4 days.