JAY CALLEN SHOCKS BERKSHIRE WITH RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT BY POLICE OFFICER

A police officer employed by Thames Valley Police has been dismissed following a misconduct panel's devastating findings that he had committed acts of rape and sexual assault against a woman. The case has sent shockwaves through the Berkshire community, highlighting the severity of the misconduct and raising serious questions about police conduct and oversight.

Jay Callen, who had been serving with Thames Valley Police since 2000, was removed from his duties after the panel concluded that his actions constituted ‘appalling behaviour’ that ranks among the most serious offenses an individual, especially a warranted officer, could commit. The panel underscored the gravity of the sexual violence inflicted upon the woman, emphasizing that the assault was severe and deeply troubling.

Throughout the proceedings, Callen maintained his innocence, denying any misconduct. His legal representative pointed out that neither the woman involved nor the police viewed the incident as a criminal matter, despite the serious nature of the allegations. An attorney representing Callen raised concerns about the woman’s motives, suggesting that her intentions might have been influenced by other factors. However, the panel confirmed that the police had approached her following an anonymous referral, which lent credibility to her account.

The woman initially expressed hesitation and some concern that she felt powerless to control the situation. Nevertheless, the panel concluded that her report was genuine and not motivated by any hidden agenda. The misconduct hearing, which took place last month, was conducted partly in private, with some documents later published to the public. The panel found that Callen, who was trained in firearms and had been with Thames Valley Police for over two decades, was aware or should have been aware that his behaviour was inappropriate and unacceptable.

In their ruling, the panel stated that the public would be right to be outraged if Callen received anything less than dismissal, given the deliberate nature of his actions and their profound impact. The panel also highlighted the ongoing societal concern regarding violence against women and girls, underscoring the importance of holding officers accountable for misconduct. It was noted that Thames Valley Police did not disclose any prior assignments for Callen, which included specialized training in firearms, raising further questions about oversight and vetting processes within the force.