Final warning for PC over fake social media account

A Leicestershire Police misconduct hearing found the officer's actions were dishonest

A Leicestershire Police officer who set up a fake social media account to respond to criticism of his job has been given a final written warning.

In May 2024, a member of the public - referred to as Person A - replied to a post made online by the unnamed officer on Facebook, criticising what they had perceived to be a lack of police presence in Leicester city centre.

The officer then set up a fake account in the name of Person A's father, and responded to the complaint with two comments accusing the individual of "moaning".

Ruling on the case, Chief Constable Rob Nixon said the officer's actions "were ill thought through and unacceptable, but fell short of operational corruption".

On another occasion, a different member of the public - Person B - posted on a force Facebook page asking why officers were using sirens in the early hours of the morning when the roads had "little to no traffic" on them.

A police misconduct panel heard the officer intended to use the same fake account to respond - but did so using a personal account.

The officer asked Person B whether he thought police were doing it to wake them "on purpose".

He posted: "You're like my son [Person A], moaning on here.

"Do you think they wake you up on purpose? Let's go past [Person B's] house and put the sirens on?

"Next time I drive past yours after a night on the town, I'm putting my music on full blast."

'Gross misconduct'

Police said the officer "intended" for his identity to be hidden when he set up the fake account.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said his actions were found to be dishonest and lacking in respect for members of the public.

The force also said they would "undermine confidence in the police service".

Mr Nixon said he considered the behaviour to be a "momentary lack of judgement".

He added it happened while off-duty, and the officer had "made full and frank admissions" of his actions "at the earliest opportunity".

He also showed evidence of "remorse, regret and reflection".

Mr Nixon ruled the officer should be given a final written warning, which will be valid for five years.

He also determined the officer should be kept anonymous for "complex welfare reasons".

Mr Nixon said: "I have carefully considered the full circumstances of this conduct and have concluded that gross misconduct was committed."

Additional reporting by Daniel Martin