Former Cheshire PC Jordan Masterson, 28, has been banned from policing and sentenced to over three years in jail for having sex with a vulnerable woman while on duty. He switched off his body-worn camera and slept with the woman during a call-out before telling her not to report the incident. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) revealed that he showed no remorse for his actions and obstructed the investigation by destroying evidence. Masterson was arrested within hours of the incident being reported to police and was suspended from duty the same day. He was charged with misconduct in public office and found guilty after a trial at Chester Crown Court.
During an accelerated misconduct hearing, gross misconduct was found proven, leading to his dismissal. He has also been placed on the barred list, preventing him from working in policing in the future. Catherine Bates, the IOPC Regional Director, emphasized that abuse of position for a sexual purpose is a serious corruption and has no place in policing. She highlighted the damage done to the victim’s trust in the police due to Masterson’s actions. Cheshire Constabulary stated that Masterson took advantage of a vulnerable victim and intentionally turned off his body camera to hide his offense. They assured the public that the majority of their officers are dedicated professionals who maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism.
Following Masterson’s conviction, Deputy Chief Constable Chris Armitt reiterated the swift action taken by the police to arrest and suspend him when the allegations emerged. He emphasized that Masterson manipulated a vulnerable victim and engaged in a severe breach of trust by turning off his body camera. Armitt assured the public that the force upholds high standards of integrity and professionalism, and victims can trust that they will be treated with respect and professionalism. The investigation and criminal proceedings against Masterson highlighted the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring the integrity of the police force.
In response to the conviction and sentencing of Masterson, the IOPC and Cheshire Constabulary underscored the severity of the offense and the impact on the victim. Masterson’s actions were characterized as a significant breach of trust and an abuse of power, warranting his dismissal from the police force. The case serves as a reminder of the zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and exploitation within policing. The involvement of multiple agencies, including the IOPC, CPS, and local law enforcement, demonstrates a coordinated effort to address misconduct and maintain public trust in the justice system.
The incident involving Masterson highlights the vulnerability of individuals when encountering law enforcement officers and the need for stringent accountability measures within police departments. Efforts to safeguard vulnerable individuals and uphold the integrity of policing require ongoing training, monitoring, and oversight. The resolution of this case through a criminal trial and subsequent sentencing sends a strong message about the consequences of abusing power and betraying public trust. It underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in law enforcement to ensure the safety and wellbeing of communities. The actions taken by the IOPC and Cheshire Constabulary in response to such misconduct demonstrate a commitment to upholding professional standards and holding officers accountable for their actions.
