A former PC with Cumbria Constabulary posted sexually explicit images of himself on a social media platform.
Following a hearing on Friday, Jonathan Hodgson was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour, amounting to gross misconduct and dismissal without notice, had he still been a serving officer.
It is understood that PC Hodgson created a Twitter account, under a pseudonym, which he used to publish the images of himself. It was discovered and investigated after anonymous information submitted to Cumbria Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department.
He resigned from the constabulary in March 2023, however internal proceedings continued, culminating in today’s misconduct hearing where the panel found Hodgson’s actions amounted to gross misconduct. As a result, he will now be barred from returning to policing, should he attempt to do so.
Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary Rob Carden said: “The result of the misconduct hearing will ensure that former PC Hodgson can never again become a police officer here or elsewhere.
“The former officer’s actions, as heard by the misconduct panel, were abhorrent and amounted to discreditable conduct.
“Had he not resigned, he would have been dismissed for his actions.
“I can assure the public that the overwhelming majority of our officers act with professionalism, both in their working and private life. There is no place at Cumbria Constabulary for anyone who fails to live up to these expectations.
“I hope that the outcome of the misconduct proceedings will demonstrate to the public that all allegations against police officers and staff are treated with the utmost seriousness, investigated thoroughly and, where wrong-doing is found to be evidenced, significant action is taken to hold them accountable.”
