PCSO BARRED FROM POLICE WORK AFTER CONTACTING 14YR OLD ON SNAPCHAT
A former Greater Manchester Police (GMP) special constable who contacted a 14-year-old girl on Snapchat has been placed on the police barred list following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.Gross misconduct was found against Michael Wallace, 30, following a hearing on Monday 8 February.
The investigation began in February 2018 after a complaint from the girl’s father, who reported that Mr Wallace sent Snapchat messages, including an inappropriate picture, to his daughter after encountering her and friends while on an anti-social behaviour patrol in Wigan.
GMP referred the matter to the IOPC.
While the CPS decided not to charge Mr Wallace, the investigation confirmed that he had sent three messages, including a topless photo of himself.
The misconduct was proven, and the panel determined it amounted to gross misconduct, which would have led to dismissal had Mr Wallace not resigned.
He was ordered to be placed on the police barred list for life.
IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe said of the case: “Mr Wallace’s actions were totally unacceptable and a direct breach of standards of professional behaviour.
Mr Wallace made inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old girl he had met during the course of his duties, which included sending her a topless photo of him in bed.”
