Inappropriate police relationships

The public rightly expects police officers and staff members to be trustworthy and professional.

When they misuse their position to engage in sexual or inappropriate relationships with people they meet through their work, especially vulnerable individuals, it is a serious breach of trust and police values.

Any behaviour by a police officer or staff member, on or off duty, that exploits their position to pursue a sexual or improper emotional relationship with any member of the public is deemed an abuse of power.

This includes:

• engaging in, or attempting to engage in, sexual acts
• initiating or responding to sexual contact or behaviour
• communicating in a sexually suggestive or inappropriate manner

Our professional standards

The Code of Ethics and the Standards of Professional Behaviour outline how police officers and staff should conduct themselves. Key points include:

• respect personal and professional boundaries
• never use their position to pursue improper relationships
• avoid inappropriate behaviour while on duty
• understand that trauma and vulnerability can affect whether a relationship is appropriate
• use only work devices to contact victims or witnesses, except in exceptional cases

Warning signs

Potential signs of inappropriate behaviour by a police officer include:

• viewing an officer as a “knight in shining armour”
• a victim or witness frequently requests a specific officer
• unexpected visits or welfare checks at odd times
• domestic abuse cases handled too quickly or lightly
• physical contact or flirtatious behaviour
• use of nicknames or pet names
• unnecessary communication via social media, phone, or email
• sending messages with kisses or sexual comments
• contacting or visiting off duty
• giving presents or gifts
• continued contact after a case concludes
• victims or witnesses may not recognise the relationship as inappropriate

Understanding vulnerabilities

While anyone can be targeted, vulnerability makes the situation worse.

Factors include age, mental health, substance abuse, use of support services, and personal circumstances such as being a victim or witness to a crime.

Reporting options

We do not tolerate such behaviours and appreciate your help in maintaining high standards in policing for our community.

Alternatively, you can:

• email – ProfessionalStandardsDepartment@avonandsomerset.police.uk
• make a complaint to the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner
• submit an anonymous report via the Crimestoppers Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service
• contact the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)

Misconduct outcomes

To discover the outcome of a misconduct hearing, see our misconduct section.