A FORMER West Midlands Police officer has been jailed for having sex and sending flirty messages to victims of crime while on duty.
Emerson Estridge, aged 45, from Highland Road, Leamington, admitted four counts of corruption at a court hearing last December.
The 45-year-old was a constable in Solihull but moved to the operational support unit shortly before he was arrested.
He was sentenced to 18 months jail at Birmingham Crown Court.
West Midlands Police originally charged him with six counts of improper use of his police powers and privileges and one count of sexual assault.
Estridge preyed on victims of crime he met while on duty, to develop personal and sexual relationships.
He admitted sending flirtatious texts and photos and having sex on one occasion, while on duty.
Estridge resigned from the force in June 2019 after the allegations came to light.
A hearing held in July 2019 found that he would have been dismissed had he not resigned.
Deputy chief constable Vanessa Jardine said: “Estridge took advantage of his position as a member of West Midlands Police to pursue improper relationships for sexual and emotional gain.
“This was completely unacceptable and a clear breach of the standards of professional behaviour.
“A proactive investigation by our Counter Corruption Unit identified the gravity of offending and led to Estridge pleading guilty.
“It is disappointing we’ve recently seen two ex-colleagues convicted after developing inappropriate relationships with people they’ve met while at work. There is no place for this type of behaviour in our organisation.
“Estridge abused his position, his actions were appalling and my thoughts are with the people affected by them.
“Serving and protecting the public is paramount and it is vital that our communities have the utmost trust and confidence in everything that we do.”
