Dorset Police inspector found guilty of gross misconduct
A Dorset Police officer was guilty of a “fundamental betrayal” of the public and policing when he abused his position to engage in sexual activity with members of the public and colleagues at the force.
Inspector Billy Bulloch was found guilty of gross misconduct and would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned.
A hearing, chaired by Chief Constable James Vaughan at Dorset Police headquarters, considered a number of alleged breaches of the standards of professional behaviour by the former inspector. These related to abusing his privileged position as a police officer for a sexual purpose, engaging in sexual activity with members of the public and members of the force while on duty, pursuing others for sexual activity while on duty, and dishonesty.
Following the hearing, which was held on May 15, Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis, Dorset Police’s lead for professional standards, said: “This case demonstrates that we will not hesitate to take action against the tiny minority of officers who fail to maintain the high standards that we set and fall below what is expected of them in terms of professional behaviour.
“The public expect and deserve to have trust and confidence in their police. Former Insp Bulloch let his colleagues and the public down by his conduct, which represented a fundamental betrayal of the public and the values for which the police service stands. Police officers serve to protect the public and are in significant positions of trust.”
The hearing heard that the force’s Counter Corruption Unit, a dedicated team that proactively investigates members of Dorset Police who are alleged to have breached professional standards, conducted a thorough investigation following reports of concern into the conduct of former Insp Bulloch.
This investigation established that he not only failed in his duty to protect people and lead by example, but he abused his position for his own sexual purpose and misled investigators. As a result of the evidence gathered, former Insp Bulloch accepted that his conduct fell well below that expected and resigned from Dorset Police prior to the hearing. He has now been placed on the national policing barred list.
Mr Lewis added: “While the vast majority of all members of Dorset Police are highly professional and dedicated, our Counter Corruption Unit will thoroughly investigate concerns in respect of any member of the organisation who is alleged to have failed to maintain the highest of standards and behaviour, as demonstrated by this case.”
He reassured communities that any reports of a member of the force abusing their position – such as engaging in or pursuing an emotional or sexual relationship with a victim of crime or a witness, or making contact while off duty or via personal telephone numbers – “would be investigated to ensure the highest professional standards possible”.