Former police officer found guilty of gross misconduct

Tues 6 Dec:

A former police officer who resigned whilst suspended under investigation has today been found guilty of gross misconduct.

At an Independent Panel Hearing held online today, which he did not attend, Colin Leonard Hall’s behaviour was found to have fallen below the required standards of professional behaviour relating to honesty and integrity, authority respect and courtesy, and he was also found to have behaved with discreditable conduct.

The probe into former PC Hall’s behaviour related to the case of a sexual offence he was investigating in 2020. During the criminal investigation, his behaviour was later described by the victim as ‘inappropriate and unwelcome’ and gave them the impression that he was trying to start a personal relationship with them.

Former PC Hall’s updates to the victim during the investigation were unhealthily lengthy, regularly discussing matters of a personal nature that had no bearing on the criminal investigation and were occasionally when he was on his rest days.

He once suggested to the victim that their statement ‘wasn’t strong enough’ and suggested they just ‘make something up’ to improve it.

His contact with the victim continued after conclusion of the investigation, including visiting them whilst he was off duty, and turning up at a pub where he knew they were going out with friends in the evening.

Former PC Hall was found guilty of gross misconduct. The subsequent outcome was determined that, had former PC Hall not resigned, he would have been dismissed. He will now also be barred from serving as a police officer at any point in the future.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Sion Williams of the forces’ Professional Standards Department said: ‘We expect the highest of standards and professionalism from all our police officers and police staff when it comes to their interaction with members of the public.

‘When police officers or police staff abuse their position either for a sexual purpose or an improper emotional relationship in this way, it is serious corruption, and there is absolutely no place in policing for corruption. 

‘Former PC Hall’s actions were inappropriate, unprofessional, and totally unacceptable. As soon as we became aware of the situation, former PC Hall was suspended from duty with our zero-tolerance approach to matters of this nature.’

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Andrew Edwards, said: ‘We are always extremely grateful to people like the victim in this case who have the courage to speak out about their experiences. Our determination to stamp out behaviour such as that demonstrated by former PC Hall should empower people to speak up if they believe an officer has acted inappropriately.’

DCI Williams added: ‘This type of conduct seriously undermines trust and confidence in policing, and we would encourage anyone with concerns of this nature to speak to us - you are not alone; you will be listened to; and your experiences will be taken extremely seriously.’

He concluded: ‘The Professional Standards Department welcome the finding of the Panel today, which sends the clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated within North Wales Police and former PC Hall will now be barred from working in policing in the future.’