Messages exchanged through a dating application have initiated a misconduct proceeding against an Oxfordshire police officer, with the unnamed individual potentially risking termination from the service.

The misconduct hearing is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 5, and continue for four days at Thames Valley Police’s headquarters located in Kidlington.

The complaint alleges that the officer, identified as Inspector A, deliberately sent communications through the Grindr platform to individuals within the department who held lower positions than himself.

Grindr operates as the predominant mobile dating and social networking platform designed for gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, utilizing location-based services.

Responding to a request submitted by Inspector A, he along with one related individual and two witnesses will maintain anonymity during the entirety of the proceedings.

Additionally, certain segments of the hearing will be conducted confidentially, away from public view.

The official misconduct hearing notice stated: “A public misconduct hearing will commence at Thames Valley Police HQ South, 169 Oxford Road, Kidlington, England, OX5 2NX, presided over by DCC Paul Mills QPM.

The proceeding is anticipated to span four days, commencing at 10 am on Tuesday, 05 May 2026.

The allegations involve Inspector A deliberately transmitting communications through the social networking and dating application Grindr to current officers holding ranks beneath his own.

In response to Inspector A’s application, the panel chair has issued an interim ruling granting Inspector A, an associated party, and two principal witnesses anonymity throughout the proceedings.

The chair has additionally issued an interim direction that select portions of the hearing will occur in private session.”

Should the allegations be proven, the officer could be dismissed from the force and permanently barred from future employment with the department.