NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE OFFICER RESIGNED AFTER SEX WITH 14-YEAR-OLD
A Nottinghamshire police officer had sex with a 14-year-old girl at her parents’ home when he was 19, a misconduct panel has determined.Paul Kanikowski engaged in a months-long sexual relationship with the girl, whose age he was aware of, during 1994 and 1995.
During a gross misconduct hearing at Nottinghamshire Police headquarters in Sherwood Lodge, it was revealed that they also engaged in "sexual activity" in a scout hut and in the back of his car.
The panel concluded that Mr Kanikowski, now aged 50, would have been dismissed had he not resigned while under investigation.
Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin chaired the panel and emphasized that Mr Kanikowski knew the girl was under the age of consent at the time and had broken the law, describing his actions as "utterly reprehensible".
Criminal proceedings could not be taken due to legal time restrictions at the time, Nottinghamshire Police stated.
Mr Kanikowski denied all allegations, claiming mistaken identity, but did not attend the hearing.
It was established that he first met the girl, referred to as Person A, at a scouts and guides event in October 1994 while serving as a special constable.
Despite knowing her age, they met multiple times until January 1995, including sexual acts at her home and in his car.
The girl reported the incident to the police last year after seeing a bulletin with his photo.
She recalls recognizing him immediately and has detailed her memory of his name, occupation, address, and vehicle, all corroborated by investigations.
Her friend also recalled him picking her up in his car.
Mr Kanikowski has worked as a schools and early intervention police officer, in addition to roles with scout groups and police cadets, according to social media.
He did not provide evidence at the hearing.
A police federation representative stated Mr Kanikowski had an otherwise exemplary 25-year policing record, noting his youth and differences from present.
The panel found her to be truthful and confirmed that he had engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor, aware of her age.
Deputy Chief Constable Griffin noted he had broken the law, and as a result, he was barred from policing for life.
