JAILED: ‘Repulsive’ PCSO abused position for sexual gain

MISCONDUCT: Simon Smith

By Rick Lyon

A former Humberside Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) who abused his position of trust to target women for sex has been jailed for two years and 10 months.

Simon Smith, 49, had admitted three counts of misconduct in a public office and one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The force launched an internal investigation after receiving information Smith had been using his role as a PCSO to repeatedly contact and strike up relationships with women he met through work over a 10-year period.

Smith, of Gilberdyke, had inappropriate sexual relations with women he met as a result of being a PCSO, at times when he was on duty. He also attempted to cover up his actions by asking one of the women he was in contact with to not talk to the police.

A criminal investigation was also launched and the case was referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC managed the investigation and a decision was jointly reached with Humberside Police that the case should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for a charging decision, resulting in the four charges being brought against Smith.

Now that sentencing has taken place at Hull Crown Court, the internal investigation will continue to a misconduct hearing. Smith, who resigned from the force during the criminal investigation, could be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, which means he will never again be able to work for any police force in the country.

Humberside Police’s Head of Professional Standards, Detective Superintendent Matt Baldwin, said: “As a PCSO, Smith was in a role where the local community trusted him, and he completely abused his position for his own advantage and sexual gain.

“I want to thank the victims in this case for their bravery and courage in supporting the investigation, as without their assistance the result would not have been possible.

“Smith’s actions were utterly reprehensible and we will absolutely not tolerate, accept or condone this kind of behaviour, that ultimately can undermine the public’s confidence in us as Humberside Police and in policing.

“I hope that Smith uses the time behind bars to consider the consequences of his actions and the impact that his behaviour has had on his victims and the wider community.

 “I would encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim to this type of offence by a member of a police force to please report them and be assured they will always be treated sensitively and taken seriously.

“We hold all of our officers and staff to the highest standards of behaviour, with their integrity vital and professionalism crucial in maintaining the trust and confidence of the communities we serve.

“Smith’s devious and repulsive behaviour gravely failed to uphold and maintain the standards both we, and more importantly, the public, expect.

“We will always thoroughly investigate any misconduct within the force and I want to make very clear that there are no exceptions.

“We are continually striving to better ourselves and provide excellent policing to our communities, and anyone who fails in their responsibility to serve and protect the public and meet our high expectations, will unreservedly always be held accountable for their actions.”