Ex-Cop Caught Sending Flirty Messages to Domestic Abuse Victim
Robert Hopper, 42, a former police constable, has been slammed for gross misconduct after inappropriate contact with a woman he met on duty—who was a domestic abuse victim.
Inappropriate Flirtations From Work and WhatsApp
Between September 2021 and January 2023, Hopper peppered the woman with flirtatious emails from his work account. He also sent unprofessional WhatsApp messages from his personal phone. The only time they met in person was a one-off home visit for policing purposes.
Dorset Police Reported Him to IOPC
Dorset Police referred Hopper’s conduct to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which launched an investigation in January. Officers examined his work devices and questioned him. The investigation found Hopper had a case to answer for gross misconduct. He quit the force in May before disciplinary action could be enforced.
Disciplinary Panel Would Have Sacked Him
Yesterday, a police disciplinary hearing ruled that Hopper breached standards on authority, respect, courtesy, and discreditable conduct. If still serving, he would have been immediately dismissed.
“Cases like these have the real potential to undermine public trust in the police,” said IOPC regional director David Ford. “Officers are told from the start it is unacceptable to have or seek inappropriate and unprofessional contact with members of the public they deal with in the course of their duties.”
“Hopper’s improper behaviour is especially serious given he was assigned to that woman’s domestic abuse case. This ruling sends a clear message that such behaviour has no place in policing and will not be tolerated.”
Hopper has now been placed on the police barred list, banning him from future service.
