A Gwent Police officer sent an explicit image of his erect penis to a woman while he was in uniform and on duty at a police station, a misconduct hearing has heard.
The officer, whose identity has not been publicly confirmed, is facing serious disciplinary proceedings after the incident came to light. The hearing was told that the image was sent while the officer was actively on shift, raising significant questions about conduct and the abuse of his position as a serving police officer.
The case has been referred to a formal misconduct panel, which has the power to dismiss officers found guilty of gross misconduct. Sending unsolicited explicit images is not only a serious breach of professional standards but can also constitute a criminal offence under UK law.
Gwent Police, which covers areas including Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire and Torfaen, has faced scrutiny in recent years over officer conduct. Cases like this add further pressure on the force to demonstrate it takes internal discipline seriously.
The woman who received the image has not been named. It is not yet clear whether she had any prior relationship with the officer or whether the image was sent entirely without warning or consent.
The misconduct hearing is ongoing and a final outcome is yet to be reached. If found guilty of gross misconduct, the officer could be dismissed without notice. Lesser findings could result in a final written warning or other sanctions.
Police watchdogs have repeatedly stressed that officers who abuse their position, particularly in a sexual context, represent one of the most serious forms of misconduct within the service. The College of Policing has specific guidance on this, classifying such behaviour as a form of corruption when a warrant card or professional position is involved in any way.
Gwent Police has been contacted for comment.