Former Sussex Police officer would have been dismissed for inappropriate relationships, says IOPC

The outcome follows an investigation carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC said that gross misconduct allegations were found proven against ex-police constable Sam Bate, 26, at an accelerated hearing organised by the force and chaired by chief constable Jo Shiner.

The hearing was told that two of the women the Crawley-based officer had inappropriate contact with were being criminally investigated at the time, said the IOPC.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “He also searched their police records via Sussex Police computer systems without a policing purpose and failed to properly investigate a road traffic incident (RTI) relating to one of the women.

“From May to August 2020, he was alleged to have formed an inappropriate relationship with two women, referred to as Ms A and Ms B at the disciplinary hearing.

“He exchanged around 500 text messages with Ms A and the content indicated a sexual relationship was being pursued by both parties.

“Between the same dates, he met Ms B for coffee after she invited him out following them meeting during the course of a criminal investigation involving potential motoring offences. They exchanged 150 text messages and met for a second time.

“From October 2019, he had been in touch professionally with Ms C. In January 2020 they exchanged texts with a view to meeting for coffee. Although the meeting never happened, the woman told investigators this contact further impacted on her vulnerability.”

The IOPC said the disciplinary hearing determined that the former officer had breached police standards of professional behaviour for honesty and integrity, confidentiality, duties and responsibilities, conduct, orders and instructions, and authority, respect and courtesy.

IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said: “Former PC Bate took advantage of vulnerable women and the pattern of behaviour he demonstrated has absolutely no place in policing.”

“Abuse of position for sexual purpose is a form of serious corruption,” said Mr Beesley.

“He also neglected to perform his duties when investigating a road traffic incident and this action damages public confidence in the police,” he added.

Mr Beesley said: ““This outcome imposed by this police hearing should provide a clear message to any officer who misconduct themselves in such a way, that they will be held to account and can and will face serious consequences for their actions.”

The IOPC said they began an investigation in August 2020 following a referral about the officer’s conduct from Sussex Police.

Investigators interviewed the officer, said the IOPC, adding that they examined his mobile phones and obtained statements from witnesses, including some of the individuals he had been contacting.

They said that audits showing the officer’s access to the individual’s policing records were also reviewed.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “At the end of our investigation in May 2021 we submitted our report to Sussex Police with our view that PC Bate had a case to answer for gross misconduct.”

“The officer resigned from the force in January,”they said.

“Mr Bate will now be placed on the police barred list, meaning he cannot work for the police service again,” the spokesperson added.