Fed chair welcomes Chief Constable’s ‘fair and proportionate decision’

24 February 2026

Branch chair Sam Dobbs has welcomed the Chief Constable’s decision following an accelerated gross misconduct hearing, describing the outcome as fair, balanced, and reflective of the realities of modern policing.

Today (Tuesday 24 February), a disciplinary hearing, chaired by the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police, took place into the conduct of former officer Steve Scott.

The investigation was a result of Steve’s actions in July 2025, when he was off duty, signed off sick and had already resigned from the Force.

He had become aware that his ex-partner’s grandfather had been the victim of a car theft in a local area known to him.

Drawing on over two decades of policing experience, he accessed the incident log from home and identified information suggesting the stolen vehicle remained nearby. Acting on that knowledge, he located the vehicle and immediately reported it through official channels, calling 101 and later 999 when two suspects returned to the car.

Forensics

Police units were deployed, the vehicle was recovered, and forensic opportunities were preserved. Steve later provided a witness statement and, on the advice of the Police Federation, voluntarily referred himself to the Professional Standards Department (PSD) to ensure full transparency regarding his actions.

He was subsequently investigated for gross misconduct. The case centred on his access to police systems while off duty and his involvement in an incident, under professional standards policy, connected to someone known to him - a breach he admitted but says was motivated solely by a desire to ‘protect the public’ and ‘stop criminality’ and ‘never for personal gain’.

At the conclusion of the accelerated misconduct hearing, the Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet, found that Steve’s actions amounted to gross misconduct on two of the three allegations considered.

The Chief Constable acknowledged that:

• Upon knowing the vehicle had been stolen, Steve should have sought authority from a supervisor.

• The policy exists to protect confidential information and maintain public confidence.

• Steve’s ex-partner’s grandfather fell within the scope of the policy.

• He had been aware of the policy, though not its precise wording.

However, several critical findings were also made in Steve’s favour:

• There was no evidence of personal gain.

• He accessed only relevant details and did not misuse or share information.

• His objective was to recover the stolen vehicle.

• He self-referred to Professional Standards.

• Public confidence would not have been diminished had all the circumstances been known.

• He had not previously accessed systems inappropriately.

• His culpability was assessed as “medium” rather than high.

• Exceptional circumstances applied.

The Chief Constable concluded that, although the matter reached the threshold of gross misconduct, dismissal would not have been justified - particularly as Steve had already left the service.

Sam said: “The privilege of being a police officer comes with huge powers and, therefore, huge accountability. 

“A process such as we’ve seen today, and over the last six months, is a cautionary and timely reminder that actions taken by police officers, however well-intentioned, can be scrutinised on a minute-by-minute basis - blow by blow - in hearings such as this.

“This was a case where an officer who had already left the police service was still held fully to account under the law and openly admitted to making mistakes, even with 20 years of policing experience.

 

Branch chair Sam Dobbs

 

“However, even in his final weeks of service, before leaving policing for a career change, his priority remained clear: to stop criminality, to recover stolen property for victims, and to remove offenders from our streets.”

The branch chair, who, as Steve’s Federation representative, has been supporting him throughout the process and was present during the hearing.

Sam said that although it was recognised that the former officer did breach process, it is important to recognise the context and intent behind those actions.

“The Chief Constable had been faced with an important and complex decision, balancing the seriousness of the breaches against the officer’s motives and the exceptional circumstances of the case,” said Sam.

Sam said that Steve’s case sadly reflects the reality of modern policing, where officers operate under intense scrutiny and constant pressure, and where every action can be examined in forensic detail. 

Trust

“It can often feel that doing the right thing carries significant personal and professional risk,” Sam continued, adding: “However, it is vital for maintaining public trust and confidence that our disciplinary processes are neither overly draconian nor unduly lenient.

“Throughout the hearing, the Chief Constable listened carefully to all the evidence and arguments and has rightly concluded that these were unusual and exceptional circumstances which would not have justified dismissal, despite their seriousness, had the officer remained in policing. 

“This was a careful, proportionate, and fair decision.”

Despite the positive outcome for Steve, Sam highlighted the personal impact that the misconduct process can have on police officers.

Support

He said: “Although accelerated, this process has meant the former officer has spent more than six months with this matter hanging over him while beginning a new career and supporting a young family. 

“Today’s outcome provides long-awaited clarity and closure.”

He also acknowledged the Federation’s role in supporting its members.

Ending, Sam said: “The Police Federation exists to ensure officers receive the support and protection they deserve. Through its insurance-backed legal services, the former officer was able to access expert legal advice and representation when he needed it most. 

“This ensured that someone who has dedicated his career to upholding justice was himself able to receive justice.”

READ MORE: 'Turn words into actions', chair urges policing minister.