Accelerated Misconduct Hearing Outcome - PC William Pieterson

PC William Pieterson attended an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing which took place at the PSD offices Ivason House, London on the 17th of September 2026 to answer allegations that his conduct amounted to breaches of the Standards of Professional Behaviour, in respect of:

• Authority, Respect and Courtesy
• Equality and Diversity
• Orders and Instructions
• Discreditable Conduct
• Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct

It was alleged that between 1 April 2025 and 26 April 2026, whilst using a British Transport Police issued mobile device, PC Pieterson exchanged messages with another that were inappropriate, derogatory, and discriminatory in nature.
PC Pieterson faced an additional allegation that his actions detailed above, constitute a breach of the BTP Mobile device acceptance terms and conditions, in that he used a work device for communications that were inappropriate.
It was further alleged that PC Pieterson did not take appropriate action to challenge or report inappropriate and derogatory communications sent by a CPS Prosecutor.

The Chair did not find proven that PC Pieterson breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Equality and Diversity or that the messages were discriminatory in nature.

The Chair found the allegations amounted to gross misconduct and PC Pieterson breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to:

• Authority, Respect and Courtesy
• Orders and Instructions
• Discreditable Conduct
• Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct

PC Pieterson was given a 5-year Final Written Warning.