Former PC would have been sacked for predatory behaviour

A former officer who sent inappropriate messages to a vulnerable woman he had previously arrested would have been dismissed for his conduct, a hearing has ruled.

Former PC Daniel Goodman sent the messages to the woman after returning her phone when he requested to follow her on social media sites.

He also was found to have asked for female members of the public’s phone numbers while on duty and engaged with inappropriate communication with at least one female he had met while on duty.

An allegation relating to using his position as a police officer on a dating site was not proven.

A misconduct panel found his behaviour breached the standards of professional behaviour for honesty and integrity; authority, respect and courtesy; orders and instructions and discreditable conduct. They concluded that the breaches amounted to gross misconduct.

He resigned before the hearing but would have been dismissed had he still been serving. He will be added to the College of Policing barred list, banning him from returning to policing or similar professions.

Chair of the hearing, Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said: “PC Goodman manifestly abused his position, particularly in his behaviour towards Ms A who had been arrested by the former officer and was in his care. She was vulnerable and needed to be safeguarded, not subjected to his predatory behaviour.

“There is particular public concern about the behaviour of police officers and their interaction with females, and the unacceptable actions of this officer will have further damaged that trust and confidence. There simply is no place in policing for anyone who acts in this way.”