A POLICE officer was banned from the profession after "taking advantage" of vulnerable victims by engaging in sexual activity with them.

A misconduct hearing found that Alex MacPherson would have been dismissed from the profession if he had not resigned due to breaching the standards of professional behaviour set within the police force.

The 55-year-old ex-PC had pursued improper relationships with two victims, which goes against the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020.

The hearing that concluded yesterday (Monday, September 18) also saw MacPherson be added to the College of Policing’s Barred List, which bans him from working for a UK police service in the future.

Between August and October 2018, the former PC, who covered South Worcestershire, pursued an improper relationship with a vulnerable victim he had met through the course of his duties.

In Spring 2021, he attempted to establish an emotional and sexual relationship with a second victim he had met through the course of his work.

In July 2021, the case was referred to the IOPC, which undertook an independent investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Cooper said: “In our role as police officers, we come into contact with people when they are at their most vulnerable.  Our job is to protect them, not to exploit them as MacPherson did.  He used his position of trust and power to take advantage of vulnerable victims, which is abhorrent and totally unacceptable.

“When the allegations against MacPherson came to light, an investigation was started immediately, and he was subsequently suspended.

“I hope the result of today’s hearing yet again shows that we take misconduct incredibly seriously and are on a mission to root out corrupt officers.”

The hearing found MacPherson’s actions breached the standards of duties and responsibilities, authority, respect, courtesy, honesty and integrity and discreditable conduct.

The outcome of the hearing is subject to the normal appeals process.