BPS Statement Regarding Recruit Linked to UK News Report [Updated]
Thu, 2017-09-28
Acting Commissioner of Police Paul Wright - One of the fourteen new Bermuda Police Service recruits who commenced a Recruit Foundation Course on Monday 11 September 2017 has been linked to a news report in the U.K. that was published on Thursday 28 September 2017. The news report refers to allegations that the officer was engaged in inappropriate behavior with a sixteen year old student at a private school where he was previously employed as a teacher. The matter was investigated by the police in the U.K which found that there was no criminal case to answer. However, the National College for Teaching and Leadership convened a professional conduct panel which recorded its decision on 7th September 2017 that on balance, the allegations that he developed an inappropriate relationship with the student were proven. The full text of the ruling can be viewed at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/647145/Matthew_McGowan_15709_-SoS_decision_17.09.07_WEB_pdf.pdf.
The BPS conducts background checks on all applicants seeking to join the Service. In this case there were no adverse traces at that time. However, the BPS continues to look into this matter with a view to determining if the officer has breached BPS standards of professional behaviour.
Update: Friday, September 29th from Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Antione Daniels - Matthew McGowan has been employed as an unsworn student officer on a recruit foundation course at the police training center since 11 September 2017. He was previously employed as a teacher at a private school in England. Information has come to light that a professional conduct panel in England has prohibited him from teaching indefinitely after it found allegations to be proven that he behaved inappropriately with a former female student. Mr. McGowan has been given 28 days in which to appeal the decision. The information about the allegations against Mr. McGowan was not available during the recruiting process and it was not declared by Mr. McGowan. The Bermuda Police Service takes the matter very seriously and has removed Mr. McGowan from duty with immediate effect. An update on his employment status will be provided in due course after legal advice has been taken.
