Former Dorset Police officer sentenced for misconduct in a public office
A former Dorset Police officer has been sentenced for misconduct in a public office after forming an intimate relationship with a domestic abuse victim.
James McClements, aged 35, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 10 April 2026. He was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday 16 June 2026 to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months.
McClements resigned from the Force in April 2025.
The charge relates to an inappropriate sexual relationship that the former officer had with a victim of domestic abuse he met in November 2023 as part of an investigation.
McClements provided the victim with his personal telephone number and made inappropriate contact with her and pursued an intimate sexual relationship.
On one occasion, McClements discouraged the victim from reporting contact she had with the reported domestic abuse perpetrator in order to protect himself.
The matter was reported to Dorset Police in November 2024 and McClements was arrested and interviewed under caution.
A misconduct hearing was held on Tuesday 19 May 2026 and found that he had committed gross misconduct and would have been dismissed from the Force had he not already resigned.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell, of Dorset Police, said: “For any member of the police service to pursue a sexual or improper relationship with a victim is an abuse of their position.
“In this case, McClements gave a domestic abuse victim his personal phone number and pursued a sexual relationship with her. Additionally, on one occasion he encouraged her not report to police a breach of contact by the reported domestic abuse perpetrator, which could have put her at greater risk.
“He fell well below the standards expected of a police officer and I want to make it extremely clear that the behaviour of this former officer was totally unacceptable and he was not fit to serve in Dorset Police. He does not represent the many amazing officers, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly every day to support victims and keep our communities safe. I know they will feel equally appalled and let down by former PC McClements’ actions.
“The victim was putting her trust in the police and it is dreadful that this former officer did not maintain professional boundaries and broke this trust.
“Our Professional Standards Department carried out a robust investigation into what happened and I would like to praise the victim for the courage and bravery she has shown throughout.
“We are committed to investigating unethical or unacceptable behaviour relating to a member of our organisation and would encourage the public to report any concerns to the Force so they can be thoroughly investigated.”
There are a number of ways the public can report matters. You can provide information you have about a serving police officer, staff member or volunteer in the UK to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, which is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 085 0000 or via the Crimestoppers' website.