Police officer sacked for contacting sex workers

A former police officer who made contact with sex workers has been found to have committed gross misconduct.

The Northamptonshire Police disciplinary hearing found the man, who was granted anonymity, would have been sacked had he not already resigned.

It was chaired by Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet who said the actions placed him "at risk of committing a criminal offence".

The officer, who did not attend, told an investigation that no "face-to-face meeting took place" but the force said his actions breached "the standard of professional behaviour".

The force said the officer exchanged messages in June 2024 and May 2025 using "a number associated with a sex worker and sought to use their services".

The report said the officer requested a full postcode "before receiving a marketing list of prices for sexual services".

The conversation moved to WhatsApp when he thanked the person for the information and said he would not be available until August.

In the report Balhatchet said: "I am satisfied that the conduct breaches the standard of professional behaviour, namely discreditable conduct."

He said police guidance stated the use of sex workers was "incompatible with the role" of an officer.

"The officer should have known that it was improper," he added.

"He communicated with two separate numbers on two separate days.

"This was serious misconduct, which would have clear impact on the public trust and confidence in the police."

The officer had accepted responsibility for the conduct and had shown remorse, and had an unblemished record, the report said.

He was also placed on the Police Barring List but has the right to appeal.

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