Police sergeant given final written warning

Gross misconduct proven

A police officer has been given a final written warning following a three-day misconduct hearing.

Sergeant Geraint Jones, who works for Devon and Cornwall Police, was found to have breached the expected standards of professional behaviour by a panel after he shared an image on WhatsApp which was deemed grossly offensive.

An independent legally qualified chair led the panel and determined that the officer would receive a final written warning - staying on his file for 5 years.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “Devon & Cornwall Police expect all officers and staff to abide by high standards of ethical behaviour, both on and off duty.

“In this instance, the behaviour of Sgt Jones fell below those expected standards – something that was acknowledged by both the officer and the panel. The officer admitted gross misconduct and accepted that he had sent an image that was deemed to be grossly offensive. He apologised for his conduct at the hearing.

“The panel, led by the independent legally qualified chair, has concluded, based on the information presented to them, the most appropriate outcome was a final written warning.

“All processes are now complete and the officer will be supported to a return to the workplace in due course.”

In April, Sergeant Jones was found not guilty of breaching Section 127 of the Communications Act at Plymouth Magistrates Court.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has made recommendations to Devon and Cornwall Police regarding guidance on how officers and staff should appropriately use social media and private messaging platforms.