Two Hertfordshire police officers have been found guilty of gross misconduct after failing to investigate the breach of a non-molestation order, which may have helped to prevent a woman from being stabbed.
Gross misconduct allegations were proven against PC Dominic Van Der Linden and PC Mark Coleman today (Monday, November 6) following a disciplinary hearing.
PC Van Der Linden was dismissed with immediate effect, whilst PC Mark Coleman "would have been sacked with immediate effect" had he not resigned in September.
An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) followed reports made by a woman in August 2021. She told Watford Police Station that her ex-husband had breached a non-molestation order after she saw him on doorbell footage standing outside her home.
The woman's ex-husband had been convicted of domestic abuse offences against the woman in 2020, with the order being granted in October that year.
The man was arrested, charged and fined for breaching the order in January 2021, but no action was taken following the incident in August.
After the woman attended Watford Police Station and showed Van Der Linden and Coleman doorbell footage, the officers spoke to the man on the phone and reminded him of the conditions of the non-molestation order.
The ex-husband was not arrested and no further action was taken against him.
The following month, the woman suffered serious injuries after she was stabbed several times by the individual.
IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin believes that "it’s possible the attack could have been avoided if the officers had properly investigated the breach".
The IOPC's investigation deemed that both officers should face a gross misconduct hearing for failing to obtain evidence of the offence, accurately record information from the victim or complete an appropriate risk assessment with the woman.
It was also determined that the two officers failed to safeguard the victim and her family and relay accurate information to their case supervisor.
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Regional director Arbouin added: "No further action was taken against the man and just weeks later the woman was the victim of an extremely violent attack which resulted in her suffering serious injuries.
"The two officers’ actions damaged public confidence in reporting incidents of this kind. They have now been held accountable for their actions and will be placed on the barred list, meaning they cannot be employed in policing in the future.”
Performance issues were also found for a police sergeant, who will now undergo a "reflective practice review process".
When approached for comment, Hertfordshire Constabulary's chief constable Charlie Hall said: "The officers in question let down a vulnerable victim and our thoughts are very much with her.
"I expect the highest standards from Hertfordshire Constabulary officers and staff on all of their activities, but especially when dealing with vulnerable people.
"If they had conducted a proper investigation and put in place safeguarding measures, they may have prevented her being subjected to the subsequent horrific attack.
"Their failure to investigate properly and to safeguard the victim has led to their dismissal for Gross Misconduct.
"I would like to reassure the people of Herts that we are fully committed to supporting victims and the failures of the two officers in question are not reflected across the rest of the Constabulary."
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