The former constable had removed the wooden posts from a training store belonging to Dorset Police and subsequently lied to his supervisors.

A misconduct hearing was held at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith on 14 and 15 February to consider allegations that former Police Constable Jonathan Bell had breached a standard of professional behaviour in relation to honesty and integrity.

A reporting restriction was put in place and he was initially referred to as former PC B. During the hearing, the reporting restriction was lifted.

It was found that between 20 July 2019 and 30 August 2019 former PC Bell removed a number of wooden barrier posts that were being used in training from the Firearms Training store.

The Professional Standards Department (PSD) was made aware and an investigation was carried out.

Without permission the former officer took the barrier posts and used them to make garden furniture, which was later found at his home address.

The hearing found that former PC Bell acted dishonestly when his behaviour was being investigated and lied to his supervisors. He told them that the posts were at his home and he would return them the next day, knowing that he had already used them to make furniture.

It was determined by the hearing panel, led by an independent legally qualified chair, that former PC Bell had breached the standards of professional behaviour and was guilty of gross misconduct. It was found that, had he still been employed by Dorset Police, he would have been dismissed.

Following the hearing, Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya, Dorset Police’s lead for professional standards, said: “Police officers in Dorset Police are expected to operate with honesty and integrity in their professional and personal lives. It is unacceptable for any member of the Force to take property that does not belong to them, treat it as their own and then act dishonestly.

“The public quite rightly expect the highest standards of behaviour from serving police officers and staff as this is a core component of maintaining the trust of our communities.

“I am disappointed this individual has failed to adhere to the high standards set by the Force, and we have acted robustly to investigate the matter and deal with the misconduct.

“This behaviour is not indicative of the overwhelming majority of our staff and teams out delivering quality policing day to day and there is no place in Dorset Police for this dishonest behaviour.

“If you have any concerns in respect of any member of the organisation, we encourage you to report them to Dorset Police so they can be thoroughly investigated.”

The matter was the subject of a criminal investigation. However, following liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service, it was determined that no further action would be taken in relation to the criminal investigation and misconduct proceedings were commenced.

As a result of the misconduct hearing decision, former PC Bell will be placed on the barred list administered by the College of Policing. The barred and advisory lists were introduced as part of the Government’s commitment to improve police integrity. They increase the accountability of those who are dismissed from policing. If an individual is on the barred list, then they must not be employed or appointed into policing.

Anyone can report any concerns to Dorset Police by calling 101 or 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.