A former police sergeant who appeared on the Channel 5 programme Police Interceptors is facing a gross misconduct hearing over allegations of engaging in sexual activity with a fellow officer while on duty and in public places.
Allegations detailed by Cleveland Police
Cleveland Police's website details a disciplinary hearing for former temporary police sergeant Ben Sutcliffe. According to the show's website, he had completed 11 years of service with the force and held qualifications as an advanced driver trained in tactical pursuit, an armed response officer, a medic, a public order instructor and a family liaison officer.
It is claimed that he entered into a personal relationship with a female colleague but denied this when questioned on multiple occasions. The former officer stands accused of exchanging a substantial number of sexually explicit messages and photographs with the officer during working hours.
Claims of public sexual activity and information disclosure
The website entry alleges: "The exchanges were to such an extent that they interfered with the proper performance of his duties." It further claimed that he "engaged in sexual activity with the officer in public places, knowing and intending that there be a risk of being caught".
Mr Sutcliffe is additionally alleged to have disclosed restricted information to the female officer without any operational policing justification. He also faces accusations of failing to challenge inappropriate conduct on the woman's behalf when she informed him she would lie to the Professional Standards Department and deny the relationship.
Hearing scheduled in Stockton
Cleveland Police stated that the alleged violations of Standards of Professional Behaviour related to discreditable conduct; authority, respect and courtesy; honesty and integrity; orders and instructions; confidentiality; and challenging improper conduct. Should the allegations be proven, the force confirmed they would amount to gross misconduct.
The misconduct hearing is scheduled to take place next Wednesday in Stockton, Teesside.
