A former West Midlands Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) was jailed on Wednesday (2 December) following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The IOPC investigated the conduct of Kevin Hathaway, aged 38, following allegations that he had formed a sexual relationship with a woman he had met during the course of his duties in 2018.
He resigned from the force during our investigation, which began in August 2019 after a referral from the force.
On completion of their enquiries in March the IOSC submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) which decided to charge him with one count of misconduct in public office.
Kevin Hathaway was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court today to 12 months’ imprisonment, having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing on 6 November.
West Midlands Police referred the matter to us after receiving anonymous information that the former PCSO was regularly visiting a woman at her home while on late shifts, after she had initially reported an attempted burglary. Her concerns over the attempted burglary had left her with extreme anxiety.
Evidence gathered by IOPC investigator showed there were nearly 2,300 calls and messages on his work device that were exchanged between him and the woman over a one-year period.
IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “To maintain trust, police officers and PCSOs must maintain professional boundaries with members of the public. Regrettably, Kevin Hathaway chose to abuse the position of trust he was in and has now paid a heavy price.
“I hope this sends a clear message to any officer who misconduct themselves in such a way, that they face serious consequences.”
Chief Supt Dave Twyford, head of West Midlands Police’s Professional Standards Department, said: “As a PCSO, Kevin Hathaway had a vital role serving after the community and being a reassuring figure in the streets.
“He abused that position by forming a sexual relationship by with someone he’d met during his duties. During times when he was meant to be working and protecting the public, he was developing an improper sexual relationship with someone he knew he should be not be contacting in a personal capacity.”
“There’s no place in West Midlands Police for those who abuse their position of trust and we make that really clear to all of our officers, PCSOs and staff. Where people breach that trust, we won’t hesitate in taking firm action.
“The boundaries for our staff are clear and they should not be crossed.”
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Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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