A former North Yorkshire police officer, Simon Barker, has been permanently banned from policing after filming himself performing a solo sex act while in full uniform at his workplace.
The incident took place at his station, where Barker, a member of the rural crime team, recorded the explicit video and sent it to his partner.
He quit his position just one day before attending a misconduct hearing, where a panel ruled that he would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had he not already resigned.
Details of the Incident and Investigation
The misconduct panel heard that Barker, who did not attend the hearing, had frequently exchanged sexual images and videos with his partner.
In the video, which was sent via WhatsApp, Barker’s face and uniform were clearly visible.
The panel also noted that while Barker was at work when the video was filmed, he was not on duty at the time.
His representative, Matt Hagan, stated that Barker’s absence from the hearing was for mental health reasons and expressed his client’s deep regret for the incident.
Hagan emphasized that Barker had always taken pride in serving his community and did not intend to harm anyone with his actions.
Implications for North Yorkshire Police
North Yorkshire Police took the matter seriously, stating that the video could have been widely shared, potentially damaging the reputation of the police force.
The panel chair, Chief Constable Tim Forber, emphasized that Barker’s actions were deliberate and intentional, and his behavior undermined public confidence in the police.
Forber highlighted national concerns regarding the sexual misconduct of police officers and declared that no other outcome but dismissal would restore public trust in the force.
Broader Issue of Sexual Misconduct in Police Forces
Barker’s case is part of a larger issue within UK police forces regarding sexual misconduct by officers.
Over the past two years, at least 26 officers faced disciplinary actions for similar offenses, with 20 of them losing their jobs.
Some officers were even jailed for engaging in inappropriate conduct while on duty, such as taking advantage of vulnerable individuals or using police resources for personal sexual encounters.
What Happens Next?
Barker has been placed on the police barred list, which prevents him from working in law enforcement again.
He has ten days to appeal the decision.
The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of misconduct within the police force, with authorities making it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated in North Yorkshire or elsewhere.
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