A Merseyside Police officer has been allowed to resign, despite being set for a misconduct hearing following accusations that he visited prostitutes whilst on duty.
The allegations meant the officer would face an internal investigation, likely leading to his dismissal, however he will face no further action following his resignation.
Merseyside Police have taken the controversial step of accepting the officer resignation in light of “exceptional circumstances”.
Alongside this decision, the force had also decreed that any potential investigation would take place in private, to protect the officer’s identity, despite legislation encouraging a public hearing.
Seeking to clarify the force’s position to accept the resignation a spokesman said “Where Merseyside Police recieve a request from an officer to resign, in circumstances such as this, that request is carefully considered. It is accepted that a decision to permit a resignation can be subject to a Judicial review.”
A second Police statement added, “an officer was due to attend a fast track hearing, the matter was adjourned, and the officer has since resigned. In accordance with regulation 10A (5) Police Conduct Regulations 2012, as amended, that resignation has now been accepted.”
The officer was believed to be facing four misconduct charges, relating to paying for a recieving “sexual services” whilst on duty in the Merseyside area.
In total eight Merseyside Police officers have faced misconduct hearings, following the Government’s request to make the public, however this was the first held privately.
Earlier this month former Merseyside Police officer David Gibson was sacked for allowing a sex worker to perform a sex act on him whilst on duty, he is was jailed for the 30 months for the offence last year.