A Llanelli-based police constable who pursued a sexual and emotional relationship with a colleague he knew or suspected was a victim of domestic abuse has been sacked.
PC Rhodri Davies was dismissed from Dyfed-Powys Police with immediate effect after a misconduct panel found the allegations against him proved, the force said.
A colleague, and a witness’s number saved on his own phone
The colleague, a serving police officer referred to as Witness A, was also subjected to unwanted sexualised conduct, the panel found.
When PC Davies took a witness statement in October 2023 about a shoplifting at a supermarket, he made inappropriate comments to the witness, referred to as Witness B.
He also saved that witness’s mobile number on his personal phone to pursue a sexual or emotional relationship, the panel found.
Gross misconduct, and barred from policing
The panel, chaired by Ian Arundale, found he had breached the standards of professional behaviour on honesty and integrity, confidentiality, authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity, and discreditable conduct.
Together, those breaches amounted to gross misconduct, it ruled.
He will now be added to the College of Policing barred list, which stops him from rejoining the police service.
The public hearing ran over four days, from 19 to 22 October, at the force’s headquarters in Llangunnor.
“Wholly unacceptable”: what Dyfed-Powys Police said
Deputy Chief Constable Gemma Morris said PC Davies’ behaviour was “wholly unacceptable”.
She said: “At Dyfed-Powys Police we expect the highest standards of professional behaviour from all our officers and staff, while both on and off duty.”
The force was “committed to robustly addressing any conduct that falls below the standards of integrity and professionalism expected of our officers and staff”, she added.
She also praised the two witnesses. “I commend the witnesses for their bravery in reporting the behaviours of PC Davies, and for showing resilience throughout the misconduct process, including giving evidence at this week’s hearing,” she said.
Not the first Dyfed-Powys officer sacked for gross misconduct
Last year, a superintendent nicknamed “the Octopus” was sacked after a gross misconduct hearing found he had behaved inappropriately towards female colleagues.
Anyone affected by domestic abuse can call the free Live Fear Free helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
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