Police Officer Dismissed After Panel Concludes Rape and Sexual Assault

A police officer was dismissed from his force following a panel’s finding that he raped and sexually assaulted a woman. Jay Callen, who was employed by Thames Valley Police (TVP), was terminated after a misconduct panel determined that “appalling behaviour” had been proven on the balance of probabilities. The panel concluded that the sexual violence inflicted upon the woman was “amongst the most serious of acts that could be committed by any individual, let alone a warranted officer.” Mr. Callen denied misconduct, and his representative stated that neither the woman nor the police considered a criminal prosecution, despite the “very grave criminal nature” of the allegations. Aparna Rao, representing the former police constable, indicated that Mr. Callen was “concerned” about the woman’s “true motivation” for accusing him of the offences. However, the panel noted that TVP itself contacted the woman after receiving an anonymous referral. It heard that she initially “expressed some concern that the matter had been taken out of her hands” and did not wish to report Mr. Callen to the police. The panel found that these were “not the actions of an individual who sought to fabricate evidence or pursue some kind of a vendetta or agenda against the officer.” Nevertheless, Ms. Rao argued that the allegations were “vague as to date” and “lacking in detail,” which impeded Mr. Callen’s “ability to answer them.” Parts of the misconduct hearing, which occurred last month, were conducted in private. Redacted documents were published by TVP on Thursday. The panel determined that Mr. Callen, who joined TVP in 2000, “realised, or ought to have realised” that his behaviour was “improper.” It stated that the public would be “affronted” if he received a sanction other than dismissal. His behaviour was “intentional and deliberate,” and the panel emphasized the need to “consider the impact of violence against women and girls.” This issue, it added, “has been, and continues to be, a matter of local and national concern.” TVP did not disclose Mr. Callen’s previous places of employment; he had received firearms training.