Matthew Constable, a former Dorset Police constable, has been permanently barred from working in law enforcement after abusing his position as a training officer to pursue an inappropriate relationship with a junior colleague. Constable, who resigned in August 2024 following suspension, faced a misconduct hearing at Dorset Police headquarters in Winfrith.
The hearing concluded that Constable had committed gross misconduct, violating standards of Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Duties and Responsibility, and Discreditable Conduct. Investigators found he exploited his role while training new student officers at Ferndown police station in 2023 to engage in a sexually motivated relationship with a vulnerable woman.
Although Constable admitted to most allegations, he denied the sexual nature of the relationship, claiming it was emotional. The panel rejected this defense and held that his actions were sexually motivated and a serious breach of professional conduct. As a result, had he remained a serving officer, he would have faced immediate dismissal without notice.
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Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell expressed deep disappointment in Constable’s conduct, emphasizing the vital importance of maintaining integrity and ethical standards within the force. She reaffirmed the force’s commitment to swift and thorough action against any form of misconduct to preserve public trust.
Farrell also highlighted that the majority of Dorset Police officers uphold high professional standards, and encouraged the public to report any concerning behavior to the force for investigation.