A former Dorset Police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct after attempting to form an unwanted sexual and improper emotional relationship with a junior female officer.
The outcome followed a public misconduct hearing at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith on Monday 8 September 2025. The panel found all allegations proven against former Police Constable 2299 Matthew Constable, ruling he had breached professional standards relating to authority, respect and courtesy, duties and responsibility, and discreditable conduct.
The case related to events in 2023 when Constable was training new student officers from Ferndown police station. The matter was reported to the Force’s Professional Standards Department in September 2023, leading to an investigation. He was suspended immediately and later resigned from Dorset Police in August last year.
During the hearing Constable admitted most allegations but denied abusing his position in an attempt to begin a sexual relationship. He said his actions were aimed at starting an emotional relationship, though the panel ruled his behaviour was sexually motivated.
The panel confirmed that had he still been serving, Constable would have been dismissed without notice. He will now be added to the barred list, preventing him from working in policing again.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said she was disappointed to learn of his actions, which took place while he was in a trusted role training new officers at the start of their careers. She added that officers must adhere to the highest standards of behaviour and integrity and that swift and robust action is taken when they fall short.
The misconduct hearing also heard that Constable accepted responsibility and wished to apologise to the student officer. A full report from the chair of the panel will be submitted to Dorset Police and published on the Force website. Constable has the option to appeal.
