Former PCSO fined for outraging public decency
A former Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) has been fined £500 for outraging public decency after admitting masturbating in a south London park while on duty.
The actions of Kevin Phillips, 56, who was attached to the Road and Transport Policing Command but has since resigned, were caught on film by a member of the public.
The footage, in which Phillips’ badge number could be seen, was uploaded to social media and watched tens of thousands of times.
Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens said: “Phillips’ behaviour that day was repulsive and is contrary to everything the decent officers and staff of the Metropolitan Police stand for. He has let down a great many of his colleagues and the public whom we serve. There is absolutely no place in the Met for such appalling behaviour.
“As soon as we became aware of the video we took immediate action to investigate. Officers worked through the night to identify him and secure a warrant for his arrest. The investigation, led by our new Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offences professionalism team, resulted in Phillips’ arrest, charge and guilty plea within 48 hours. I trust such swift action will assure the public how seriously we take breaches of trust and confidence and how robustly we will work to root out those who undermine the service.”
The video came to police attention late on Wednesday, March 30. Phillips was arrested at his home address early the next morning. He was taken into custody and charged with outraging public decency that same day and was then remanded to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court the following morning, where he entered a guilty plea.
He was bailed to appear at Croydon Crown Court on June 16 for sentencing.
