Sharing explicit picture of colleague shows ‘lack of respect’ to fellow officers, PC told

A Humberside Police hearing found Police Constable Katie Jackson had “caused distress” to colleagues by her actions.

But the officer was cleared of further allegations she had made a false statement claiming she had been assaulted by a suspect and took time off as a result.

The panel at a two-day misconduct hearing at Goole Magistrates Court heard PC Jackson’s conduct amounted to a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy.

Humberside Police Detective Superintendent Matthew Baldwin said: “We and the public we serve rightly expect our officers to display the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and respect – whether they are out on duty or with their colleagues – and these expectations have not been met by PC Jackson.

“Her actions were not acceptable and as soon as the allegations came to light we carried out a full investigation into the circumstances.

“Her decision to share an explicit picture of a colleague with other colleagues – after being told not to do so – showed a lack of respect and courtesy to the people she was working with.

“Our Professional Standards Department must uphold the standards of professional behaviour of both officers and staff. This work is vital in contributing to the values of the organisation, its culture and behaviours.”

The two allegations that were not proven related to the officer attending Scunthorpe General Hospital with a detainee where PC Jackson claimed that she was assaulted and subsequently submitted a statement detailing the assault.

It was also alleged that PC Jackson did not attend work stating that she was sick due to the injuries she incurred.