Gross misconduct has been proven against a former undercover officer who deceived a woman into a sexual relationship during his deployment into an activist group.
A misconduct hearing was held for former Detective Constable James ‘Jim’ Boyling, in respect of an alleged relationship he entered into with ‘Monica’ between 1996 and 1997.
Former DC Boyling was an undercover officer working in the now-defunct Met Special Demonstration Squad (SDS).
It was alleged that he had formed a long-term sexual relationship with ‘Monica’, who was a member of an activist group Boyling had deployed into, and who – at the time of their relationship – only knew him by his cover identity ‘Jim Sutton’.
Returning its decision on Friday, 14 July, the misconduct panel found that Boyling breached Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of integrity and discreditable conduct, and that gross misconduct was proven.
No sanction was imposed by the panel, which was led by an independent legally qualified chair with a Superintendent from another force and an independent lay member.
We await the full written rationale to consider the findings in full.
Boyling was previously dismissed from the Met in May 2018, following a misconduct hearing which found gross misconduct proven in relation to a different sexual relationship he deceived another woman into, between 2001 and 2005. He was also added to the College of Policing’s Barred List.
Commander Jon Savell, who leads on Professional Standards, said: “We are sorry for the immense hurt and pain caused by Boyling’s actions, which were appalling and totally unacceptable. We also accept that there were failures in the way he was supervised and managed.
“The ongoing Undercover Policing Inquiry is examining other instances where SDS officers deceived women into relationships while they were deployed. We will continue to support the Inquiry as it seeks answers for those women affected.
“Undercover policing is an important and lawful tactic, and I want to reassure the public that in 2023, it is subject to far greater oversight and legal guidelines when compared to the 1990s.”
Anyone with any information about a police officer or member of staff who works for the Met and is corrupt, abusing their position and power, can call the Anti-Corruption and Abuse Hotline, run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 085 0000 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-org.uk.
