Warning for officer after panel hearings
A WEST Yorkshire Police officer has received a written warning after misconduct hearings about how the force investigated an allegation of child sexual abuse.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) directed West Yorkshire Police to hold misconduct hearings after finding significant evidence that the force’s handling of the case was inadequate, that officers failed to treat the survivor appropriately and did not engage with them and their family in an appropriate manner.
A disciplinary panel found that Detective Constable Ian Dawson had failed to “diligently progress these serious allegations”, said the IPCC.
It said the officer “neglected to seek appropriate guidance from his supervisors and made inappropriate comments to the survivor”. As a result DC Dawson was given a written warning.
The IPCC report presented evidence that Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg and Detective Sergeant Tim Lofthouse had failed to adequately supervise DC Dawson.
They did not provide enough resources and between them had failed to treat the survivor and their family appropriately. However, the panel found that misconduct was unproven and as a result no further action will be taken against the officers.
Two officers who were found to have a case to answer for gross misconduct could not be subject to misconduct proceedings, as they had retired before the conclusion of the IPCC’s inquiry.
A further two officers were subject to management action as a result of their roles in the police investigation.