PC suspended over claims he used police helicopter to film “doggers”
The 48-year-old officer was suspended in December over “unauthorised use of force visual recording equipment”, South Yorkshire Police confirmed.
A search took place of his Rotherham home following the allegations but police said no footage was found.
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Hide AdThe officer is due to appear before a disciplinary hearing later this month.
South Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “The PC, based in Operational Support Services, was suspended from his post on Friday, December 5, while the allegation was investigated.
“The incident is believed to have taken place in 2008. A gross misconduct investigation was carried out by the force's Professional Standards Department and found there is a case to answer.
“The officer will appear before a special case hearing in February.
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Hide Ad“The helicopter was being used at the time of the alleged incident for a legitimate policing purpose and was being used to assist with operational policing.
“The officer was interviewed around an alleged breach of standards of professional behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct.
“A search was carried out at the officer's address, with his consent, and no disc has been recovered.”
A spokeswoman said a second officer in the helicopter at the time — who is employed by the National Police Air Service (NPAS) — was also investigated but “no misconduct was identified”.