In two separate incidents, former police officers from Northamptonshire and East Yorkshire have been charged with gross misconduct and child sex offenses, respectively. The allegations were investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and both cases have had a significant impact on public confidence in the police.
Case 1: Ex-Police Constable Jamie Gibb
A gross misconduct panel ruled that former Northamptonshire police officer, Jamie Gibb, would have been dismissed if he had still been serving for having inappropriate communication with two women he met through his duties. Evidence gathered during the IOPC investigation indicated that after his initial contact with the women, he used his personal mobile to contact them for non-policing purposes and asked them to download a social media application for further communication. One of the women was asked to send him sexual images of herself.
At a disciplinary hearing organized by the force and chaired by the chief constable, it was determined that PC Gibb had breached police standards of professional behavior for authority, respect, and courtesy; honesty and integrity; and discreditable conduct. Following the gross misconduct hearing, it was determined that ex-PC Gibb would have been dismissed if he had not resigned and he will be added to the police barred list, preventing him from future employment with the service.
Case 2: Richard Cammidge
A former police officer from East Yorkshire, Richard Cammidge, is set to appear in court this week after being charged with several child sex offenses. He is alleged to have engaged in sexual communication with a child between May 2018 and June 2018 and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child in October 2021. Mr. Cammidge is also charged with making an indecent photograph of a child.
On conclusion of the investigation carried out by Humberside Police under IOPC direction, a file of evidence was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service in September 2022, which authorized the charges against Mr. Cammidge.
Conclusion:
These cases show the serious consequences that can occur when police officers engage in inappropriate conduct. IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell stated that “abuse of position for a sexual purpose is a form of serious corruption” and that “cases such as these have the real potential to impact public confidence in the police.” The IOPC investigation into these incidents demonstrates the organization’s commitment to ensuring that police officers are held accountable for their actions and that the public can have confidence in the integrity of the police force.
