Lancashire Police officer fired following allegations he abused his position for 'sexual purpose'

Constable Oliver Norris' dismissal follows an investigation by police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC said the Lancashire Police officer, aged 34, was investigated following allegations he abused his position for sexual purpose in relation to his contact with two women in 2016 and 2017.

There were two allegations made:

- That he entered into an inappropriate relationship with a woman, having met her during the course of his duties, between January 2016 and November 2017.

- That he entered into an inappropriate relationship with a second woman, having met her during the course of his duties, between September 2016 and November 2017.

The IOPC said its investigation - which was completed in August 2019 - "found evidence of a case to answer, for gross misconduct, for PC Norris for breaching police standards of professional behaviour".

Lancashire Police agreed with their findings and scheduled a gross misconduct hearing to take place between July 21 and 23.

In a statement, the IOPC said: "The police panel overseeing the hearing, including an independent legally qualified chair, found PC Norris had committed misconduct with regard to his contact with one of the women and gross misconduct with regard to his contact with the second woman."

The panel dismissed the officer from the force with immediate effect.

IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe: "PC Norris breached police professional standards of behaviour not once, but twice; using his role to actively engage with two women.

"Such behaviour - an abuse of his position for sexual purpose - has no place in policing, and the panel’s decision shows that such actions will not be tolerated.

"We are working hard to ensure police forces refer all allegations of abuse of position for sexual purpose to us, and we will continue to provide guidance and knowledge to help identify this abuse of trust as early as possible."

PC Norris was based in the force's West Division, which covers Blackpool, Fylde, Lancaster and Morecambe.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Clegg, of Lancashire Police's Professional Standards Department, said: "We strongly disapprove of the actions committed by this individual as we expect the highest standards of our officers and staff and the vast majority adhere to these standards.

"Where the standards of professional behaviour are breached we will take robust action as we have done in investigating and presenting this case."