PS James Chatfield, based in uk/topic/london/">London, responded to allegations of professional misconduct at a hearing held at Force Headquarters on Monday, January 9. On September 23 and 26, 2022, James began online conversations with a person he mistook for a 12-year-old girl while posing as a 17-year-old boy. PS Chatfield: During their conversations, When she was asked about her bra size, I repeatedly inquired about her breasts and requested that she send photographs of them. He was asked how “cute her bum is” and if he could go visit her and feel it. I asked her to wear something revealing. The person he was speaking with was an undercover South Wales Police officer who reported the incidents to the British Transport Police Professional Standards Department (PSD). PS Chatfield was quickly arrested and questioned by detectives. On 18 November, he pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, and on 14 December, a judge at Inner London Crown Court sentenced him to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and imposed a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Following the conclusion of the criminal investigation, steps were taken to hold an accelerated misconduct hearing as soon as possible. PS Chatfield was dismissed from the force with immediate effect after the Chief Constable determined that his actions amounted to gross misconduct. “He was trusted to uphold the law and protect the public, especially the most vulnerable,” said Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi. His actions are disgraceful and completely contrary to our values. “My decision to dismiss James Chatfield with immediate effect reflects the seriousness with which we view predatory behaviour, specifically sexual misconduct. People like him have no place in BTP.
