Former officer would have been dismissed for ‘inappropriate sexual relationship’ with victim of crime

It follows an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which found David Hoar, 46, “had a case to answer for gross misconduct”.

Following a one-day public hearing held in Exeter, the panel concluded that the former officer’s actions had “fallen below the expected standards of professional behaviour” and amounted to gross misconduct.

It was determined that, had Mr Hoar still been a serving officer, he would have been dismissed.

The former police constable, who left the force in June this year, faced allegations he had a “consensual, but inappropriate, sexual relationship” with the woman, a victim of crime, he had first met in July 2018 through his policing duties.

Mr Hoar told the hearing that the relationship remained professional while he was the investigating officer in the case and became sexual after it had concluded in August 2018.

He admitted a number of allegations and the panel found that former PC Hoar was in breach of professional standards in that he:

• Conducted a sexual relationship with a vulnerable female victim of crime, having met her when he was appointed officer in the case;
• Deleted evidence from his mobile phone prior to interview in August 2019;
• Lied to the Professional Standards Department during an interview in August 2019 by denying a sexual relationship with the woman;
• Purchased a mobile phone and used it to continue to contact the woman despite being instructed not to;
• Met with the woman in August 2019 having been instructed not to; and
• Re-instigated contact with the woman between October and November 2021.

The IOPC said: “PC Hoar visited the woman’s home in July 2018 as the officer in charge of an investigation, following the report of a crime.

“He was alleged to have entered into a consensual, but inappropriate, sexual relationship with the woman shortly after.

“An initial Devon and Cornwall Police investigation into PC Hoar’s conduct concluded in 2019 that there was insufficient evidence for misconduct proceedings, but the officer was given management advice over his future behaviour.”

However, the IOPC began an investigation in March 2021 following a referral regarding the officer’s conduct from Devon and Cornwall Police, after further information had come to light.

IOPC investigators interviewed the officer under caution, examined his mobile phone and obtained statements from several witnesses, including the woman victim.

“At the end of our investigation in October last year, we submitted our report to the force with our view that PC Hoar had a case to answer for gross misconduct,” it added.

IOPC regional director David Ford said: “Cases such as these have the real potential to impact on public confidence in policing. At the outset of their service, it is made clear to officers that it is unacceptable to have, or seek, inappropriate and unprofessional contact with members of the public who they deal with through their professional duties.

“Ex PC-Hoar’s improper conduct was exacerbated by the fact that he had been the allocated officer in charge of the woman’s case.

“Following a gross misconduct hearing, it has been determined that he would have been dismissed had he still been a serving police officer. This sends a clear message that behaviour of this kind will be thoroughly investigated, has no part in policing and will not be tolerated.”

The force’s head of Professional Standards, Detective Superintendent Paul Kessell, said: “The actions of this former officer were clearly unacceptable.

“We will always take the appropriate action when standards fall below those expected and continue to learn from any instances.

“The overwhelming majority of our officers and staff work diligently to help to keep the public safe, uphold our high standards and provide an exceptional service to our communities.

“Through his actions, the former officer undermined the public’s trust and confidence in the police force and did not fulfil his duties and responsibilities.”

T/Assistant Chief Constable Steve Parker added: “Devon and Cornwall Police takes any reports of inappropriate conduct extremely seriously.

“All officers and staff are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics and ensure the highest standards of behaviour, both on and off duty.

“We are committed to building trust and confidence which includes an unequivocal focus on allegations of police misconduct.

“Any behaviour of this kind, especially when it involves a person who is vulnerable and has approached police for help and support, will not be tolerated.

“We ensure that reports are investigated fully and quickly and will always take action when standards fall below those expected.”

Mr Hoar will now be placed on the police barred list.