Former Leicestershire Officer Barred Following "Appalled" Misconduct Ruling
A former police officer has been formally barred from the profession after an accelerated misconduct hearing determined he would have been dismissed without notice for seeking sexual services. The hearing, held on 21 April 2026, focused on the actions of former PC 129 Noel Chambers of the Leicestershire Police AIU.
The misconduct proceedings centered on evidence that Chambers proactively arranged for sexual services and took practical steps to meet at an agreed location. Temporary Chief Constable David Sandall, who presided over the hearing, found the facts proved on the balance of probabilities, noting that the former officer’s actions were both planned and repeated.
In assessing the officer's culpability, the hearing determined it to be "high". The decision noted that Chambers was solely responsible for his conduct and had multiple opportunities to reflect on his actions and stop. The ruling emphasised that police training is explicit regarding acceptable standards of behavior and that there was "no conceivable excuse" for the officer's proactive communication and subsequent actions.
The hearing further found that Chambers’ conduct breached the professional standards of "Discreditable Conduct," citing the severe damage such behavior does to the reputation of the police service. A central theme of the ruling was the inherent vulnerability and exploitation present in the sex trade, as recognized by National Police Guidance.
"I suspect that the public would be appalled by the conduct," T/CC Sandall stated, assessing both actual and potential harm as high. The ruling argued that the officer’s behavior had a significant adverse effect on his standing, particularly given his role in a profession that should protect the vulnerable. Furthermore, while Chambers was not convicted of a crime, the hearing assessed his actions as criminal conduct, which served as an aggravating factor.
Although Chambers had already resigned from the force and admitted to misconduct in public office, the hearing was required to determine what the outcome would have been had he still been serving. T/CC Sandall noted that while admissions are credited, the evidence against the former officer was "overwhelming".
The hearing found a lack of sincere regret or understanding from Chambers, who instead offered justifications based on his own personal vulnerabilities arguments the Chief Constable found did not justify his actions.
Ultimately, the hearing concluded that the only appropriate outcome to protect public confidence and maintain professional standards was dismissal without notice. Consequently, Chambers has been added to the Police Barred List, preventing him from serving as a police officer in the future.
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