A Metropolitan Police officer has been fired after an accelerated misconduct hearing found she sent 'wholly inappropriate' messages to a vulnerable 17-year-old cadet.
Breach of Professional Boundaries
PC Bethan Hills, who was based within Met Operations, used her personal phone and a messaging app to communicate with the teenager under her care as a cadet leader. The hearing determined that the number and personal nature of the messages were not appropriate, reasonable, or necessary for her professional role.
A key clarification from the panel stated that the messages were not of a sexual nature. Despite this, the communication was deemed a serious breach of the trust placed in her as a cadet leader.
Timeline and Consequences
The incident was formally reported on 17 February 2024. The Met Police acted swiftly, suspending PC Hills from duty just four days later, on 21 February.
Following the hearing, she was not only dismissed but will also be added to the College of Policing's Barred List. This action prevents her from re-joining any police force or being employed by related policing bodies in the future.
Official Condemnation from the Met
Chief Superintendent Andrew Ricketts of Met Operations delivered a strong statement on the case. He said: "PC Hills’ actions were wholly inappropriate. She crossed professional boundaries - using her role as a cadet leader to send personal messages to a vulnerable teenager under her care."
He further emphasised the force's stance, adding, "We have made it very clear that officers who abuse their position of trust and authority have no place in our organisation as we continue our ongoing drive to improve standards and culture."
This case forms part of the Metropolitan Police's broader and highly publicised effort to root out misconduct and rebuild public trust.
