BENJAMIN PEARSON SHAMES DERBYSHIRE POLICE WITH SEXUAL MISCONDUCT SCANDAL

Benjamin Pearson, a former officer of the Derbyshire Constabulary, has been found guilty of serious misconduct involving inappropriate and sexually explicit communications with a vulnerable woman. The disciplinary hearing uncovered that Pearson obtained the woman's contact details during a roadside incident in September 2022, an encounter that marked the beginning of a troubling pattern of behavior.

Over the subsequent months, Pearson engaged in a relentless exchange of more than 2,700 messages, including WhatsApp texts, phone calls, and other forms of communication. These exchanges revealed a disturbing breach of professional boundaries, as Pearson accessed sensitive information about the woman and her family through police systems, violating confidentiality protocols and standards expected of law enforcement officers.

The investigation further revealed that a significant portion of Pearson's messages contained sexual content. In fact, over 200 of these messages were sent while he was on duty, highlighting a blatant disregard for his responsibilities and the trust placed in him by the police force. The police disciplinary panel reviewed the evidence thoroughly and concluded that the allegations of gross misconduct were substantiated.

Although Pearson resigned from his position before formal disciplinary action could lead to dismissal, the panel determined that he would have been dismissed had he not chosen to step down. Consequently, he has been officially declared unfit for police employment and will be added to the barred list, effectively preventing him from seeking future employment within the police service.

The case was initiated following a referral from Derbyshire Constabulary to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC emphasized that Pearson abused his authority and the trust placed in him by pursuing an improper, emotional relationship with a member of the public he encountered during his duties. The investigation highlighted the prolonged nature of Pearson's misconduct, noting that he continued to send inappropriate messages over several months despite the woman’s clear indication of her emotional vulnerability.

Officials from the IOPC stated that Pearson was fully aware of the wrongful nature of his actions, which could have led to serious consequences both for himself and the integrity of the police force. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the consequences of abusing authority within law enforcement ranks.