A Bedfordshire Police officer has been dismissed after sending inappropriate messages to a vulnerable woman while claiming to assist her with a domestic abuse matter.
PC Petar Krtinic faced a misconduct hearing where it was revealed he had engaged in unprofessional communication with the woman during an incident response in Luton. The officer, who was on duty at the time, sent messages that were deemed "completely unacceptable" by the force.
Breach of Professional Standards
The hearing determined that Krtinic's actions constituted gross misconduct, specifically breaching the standards of professional behaviour expected of police officers. His messages to the woman, who was in a vulnerable position as a domestic abuse victim, demonstrated a serious failure in his duties.
A Bedfordshire Police spokesperson stated: "We expect the highest standards of professionalism from all our officers and staff. The behaviour displayed by PC Krtinic fell far below these standards and undermined public confidence in policing."
Zero Tolerance Approach
The force emphasised its commitment to maintaining public trust and taking decisive action when officers fail to meet expected standards. The dismissal sends a clear message that inappropriate conduct towards vulnerable members of the public will not be tolerated within Bedfordshire Police.
The case highlights the importance of proper professional boundaries between police officers and individuals they are assigned to help, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances.
