A Sussex Police officer who sent sexual messages and videos to a 16-year-old boy has been sacked.
The PCSO contacted the boy using dating app Grindr for months, and sent videos of himself masturbating, despite knowing the boy was vulnerable due to his age and being a regular missing person.
An investigation into his actions took place between February and October 2021, and also found the officer had sold unlicensed erectile dysfunction medication to a man he met through his community liaison duties.
He also sent discriminatory messages about the LGBTQ+ community to the same person.
A disciplinary panel decided the case of gross misconduct was proven on November 28, and the PCSO, who hasn’t been named, has now been fired.
The IOPC sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, but no charges were brought.
IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: ‘Part of this PCSO’s job was to build trust and confidence in the police amongst LGBTQ+ people in Sussex.
‘It is disgraceful that whilst in such a trusted role he sent sexually explicit material to a vulnerable teenager and bought unauthorised medication for another man.
‘He also sent highly offensive derogatory messages to the man about parts of the LGBTQ+ community, conduct that was wholly unprofessional.
‘I welcome the panel’s finding, which sends a robust message that this type of behaviour has no place in policing.’
Sussex Police and the IOPC have both been contacted for further information