Dorset | Posted on September 10th, 2025 | return to news

Dorset Police officer found guilty of gross misconduct

A former Dorset Police officer committed gross misconduct when he tried to enter an unwanted relationship with a junior officer.

A Dorset Police officer, who abused his position to try and get into a relationship with a junior officer, has been found guilty of gross misconduct.

In 2023, former PC 2299 Matthew Constable was training new student officers from Ferndown police station when he attempted to enter into an unwanted sexual and improper emotional relationship with one of the female officers. His actions were reported to the Force’s Professional Standards Department in September 2023, leading to a misconduct investigation. He was immediately suspended from duty and resigned from the Force in August 2024.

The public misconduct hearing was held at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith, which concluded on Monday 8 September 2025. The panel found all allegations proven against former Police Constable 2299 Matthew Constable, including that he had breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Duties and Responsibility and Discreditable Conduct.

During the hearing, the panel was told that former PC 2299 Matthew Constable accepted full responsibility for what had happened and wished to apologise to the student officer.

He admitted to all the allegations except one, claiming that he had only attempt to enter into an emotional relationship and not a sexual relationship with the then-vulnerable student officer.

However, the panel did not agree and ruled that his actions were sexually motivated. Had he still been a serving police officer, he would have been dismissed immediately without notice. He will also be added to the barred list, preventing him from working in policing ever again.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “I was extremely disappointed to learn about the actions of former PC 2299 Matthew Constable, who was in an entrusted position training new student officers during the start of their careers. However, he abused that position, and the decision of the panel reflects the seriousness of his behaviour.

“Our officers are duty bound to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour and integrity at all times, including when off duty, and the public should quite rightly have confidence that when these standards fall below what is expected, swift and robust action will be taken.

“It is important to highlight that the vast majority of employees within the organisation are professional and do not demonstrate behaviour that has been heard in this hearing. Unfortunately, former PC 2299 Matthew Constable did not meet these high standards.

“We are committed to investigating any unethical or unacceptable behaviour relating to a member of our organisation and I would encourage members of the public to report them to the Force so they can be thoroughly investigated.”

Anyone can report any concerns directly to Dorset Police via the Dorset Police website or by emailing complaints-misconduct@dorset.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively members of the public can contact the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – details of which can be found via their website www.policeconduct.gov.uk or anonymously via the Crimestoppers charity online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or freephone 0800 555 111.