A fraudulent insurance claim on a motor insurance policy has led to a Devon & Cornwall Police officer’s dismissal without notice. Following gross misconduct proceedings, PC Luke Moffatt was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour expected from a police officer.
Details of the case, including the identity of the insurer, were not disclosed. The proceedings took place after a probe into an allegation that PC Moffatt committed insurance fraud, with the officer appearing at police headquarters before Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer.
“This was a special case hearing, which is effectively a ‘fast-track’ process for misconduct that is provided for by the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012 in cases where there is sufficient documentary evidence to establish gross misconduct,” read the notice of outcome published by the Devon & Cornwall Police. “In this instance, the proceedings were possible in part by virtue of full and frank admissions made by PC Moffatt.”
Meanwhile the erring police officer has apologised to both the organisation and the public.
“The Force expects the highest standards of professional behaviour from all of our officers and staff,” said the Devon & Cornwall Police in its notice. “All police officers and staff are expected to act with honesty and integrity, and in such a way that is not discreditable to the police.”
It explained that the abovementioned expectation applies at all times, meaning both while officers are on and off duty, adding that Devon & Cornwall Police will not tolerate such standard-breaching behaviour.
“The aim of misconduct proceedings is in large part to maintain public confidence in the police,” noted the police unit. “The overwhelming majority of officers and staff conduct themselves in such a way as to maintain public confidence on a daily basis.”
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