South Yorkshire officer ‘used police helicopter to video people having sex’

The 48-year-old officer was suspended in December over ‘unauthorised use of force visual recording equipment’, police chiefs have admitted.

An investigation is underway into allegations he recorded activity at dogging spots and took the footage home to watch.

The allegation led to a search of his home in Rotherham, but police chiefs said no footage was found.

It is claimed the officer used police thermal imaging recording equipment while hovering above dogging spots while on official police duties.

The officer is said to have been reported to bosses following the breakdown of his marriage.

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “A South Yorkshire Police officer has been suspended following an allegation relating to unauthorised use of force visual recording equipment. “The PC, based in Operational Support Services, was suspended from his post on Friday, December 5 while the allegation was investigated.

“The incident is believed to have taken place in 2008.

“A gross misconduct investigation was carried out by the force’s Professional Standards Department and found there is a case to answer. The officer will appear before a special case hearing in February.

“The helicopter was being used at the time of the alleged incident for a legitimate policing purpose and was being used to assist with operational policing.

“The officer was interviewed around an alleged breach of standards of professional behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct.

“A search was carried out at the officer’s address, with his consent, and no disc has been recovered.

“A second South Yorkshire officer inside the helicopter at the time of the alleged incident was also subject to a Professional Standards investigation.

“This pilot is employed by the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and his involvement has been investigated and no misconduct was identified. This report will be referred to NPAS for their consideration.”