A former Cambridgeshire Constabulary officer, who misused his position by visiting a woman in police uniform while off duty and using police-issued handcuffs during a sexual encounter, has been found guilty of gross misconduct.

The officer, Benjamin Mace, 41, resigned in October 2021 but would have been dismissed from the force had he not already stepped down. A disciplinary hearing concluded yesterday (5 December) following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Misconduct Details

The disciplinary panel heard that Mace first met the woman in October 2019 through a dating app, where he identified himself as a police officer based in Peterborough. After exchanging messages for a month, Mace visited the woman’s home while off duty, dressed in his police uniform, and without a legitimate policing purpose.

During the visit, Mace used police-issue handcuffs inappropriately during a sexual encounter with the woman.

Hearing and Outcome

The one-day gross misconduct hearing found that Mace had breached police standards of professional behaviour, including:

• Honesty and integrity
• Discreditable conduct

The panel ruled that Mace’s actions undermined public confidence in the police. As a result, his name will be added to the police barred list, preventing him from serving in any law enforcement capacity in the future.

Statement from IOPC

Charmaine Arbouin, IOPC Regional Director, commented:

“The public have a right to expect police officers to maintain high levels of professionalism and integrity, whether on or off duty. PC Mace abused his position as a police officer and his actions are a discredit to policing and undermine the public’s confidence in the service.”

Criminal Proceedings

The misconduct investigation, launched in May 2020 following a conduct referral from the force, concluded in January 2021. A file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which authorized a charge of sexual assault by touching in January 2022. However, the charge was later dropped.

Broader Implications

This case highlights the importance of maintaining public trust in policing. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to holding officers accountable for breaches of professional conduct and ensuring those who misuse their position cannot return to law enforcement.

This ruling ensures Mace cannot serve as a police officer again, providing reassurance to the public that such actions will not be tolerated within the policing profession.