A Sussex Police officer, Karen Young, has been dismissed for prematurely terminating a sexual assault investigation after inaccurately asserting that the accused victim was no longer cooperative.
Detective Sergeant Karen Young, 43, asserted that the purported victim was uncooperative with the investigation, an allegation that was false, and documented this in the investigation log as the rationale for case closure in 2021.
Karen Young, a former investigations supervisor in the West Sussex division, was terminated without notice following a disciplinary tribunal conducted at Sussex Police’s headquarters earlier this week.
Detective Sergeant Karen Young, 43, from the West Sussex division, attended a misconduct hearing at Sussex Police headquarters from June 4 to 6, presided over by a panel led by an Independent Legally Qualified Chair (LQC).
LQCs are appointed from a roster of independent, legally qualified individuals to preside over police misconduct hearings, and are regulated by Police Conduct Regulations. LQCs collaborate with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and other entities to promote and integrate transparency and proportionality in misconduct hearings.
The panel was informed that the supervisor had acted dishonestly by prematurely concluding a sexual assault inquiry in 2021. Karen Young inaccurately asserted that the victim had withdrawn support for the inquiry, which was false, and documented this in the investigation log as the rationale for cessation.
Consequently, DS Karen Young was accused of violating rules of professional conduct concerning duties and responsibilities, as well as honesty and integrity.
The misconduct panel established the breach, concluding that it constituted severe misconduct. She has been terminated from the force without prior notification.
Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme, Deputy Head of Professional Standards, stated: “Victims of crime are central to our investigations, and we strive to deliver the highest quality of service.” We regret our previous inaction; we have reinstated the investigation and will persist in providing support to the victim until the case is resolved.
Police personnel must conduct themselves in a manner that preserves the integrity of the police service and maintains public trust. The officer’s actions on this occasion did not align with the expected values and standards, demonstrating a lack of integrity and undermining public trust.
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