A police chief has pledged to hold misconduct hearings in public after a regional daily’s investigation.

Hampshire police and crime commissioner Donna Jones has made the commitment after a probe into previously unreported police dismissals by Southern Daily Echo digital reporter Maya George, with the help of Newsquest digital optimisation editor Jody Doherty-Cove.

Maya, pictured, revealed 18 individuals have been dismissed by Hampshire Constabulary since 2017 for offences ranging from drug driving, sending inappropriate photographs to women, using homophobic language and failing to challenge sexist remarks.

The Echo’s revelations have led to Ms Jones committing to ensuring misconduct cases are held in public, where legally possible, to make the process fair, open and transparent.

She told the Southampton-based Echo: “I am also ensuring the Police Conduct Regulations, which all forces use when considering cases of misconduct, are clearly followed.

“Maintaining public trust and confidence is key which is why this is so important.

“The majority of police officers are dedicated individuals who want to serve and protect the public and in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.”

Ms Jones started a review into Hampshire Constabulary’s handling of disciplinary hearings following separate incidents involving the Basingstoke Gazette and Portsmouth daily The News.

HTFP reported earlier this year that the Gazette and its publisher Newsquest had won a 10-month battle to name sacked PC Terry Cooke in the High Court.

The News also named Portsmouth officer Simon Bailey, who was found in October to have pursued a relationship with a domestic abuse victim.

At the time of his sacking, Mr Bailey’s identity was kept secret despite submissions at the time from The News and other media.

However, the Portsmouth daily has now successfully identified him after his name was published on the College of Policing’s barred list.

Ms Jones added: “Recent events have led to forces reviewing behaviours and cultures whilst encouraging staff to report any concerns they may have about colleagues.

“Shining a light will lead help to remove unacceptable behaviours that fall below those expected from British policing.

“This is a good thing.”

Maya told HTFP: “Knowing that police and crime commissioner Donna Jones is committed to transparency in misconduct hearings as a result of my investigation is a real boost, not only to myself but to those who value the importance of justice.

“We place our trust in police officers from a very young age and rely on them to protect and serve us. When that trust is broken it is vital the public hears about it

“Covering dismissals that have never previously been reported on upholds this important value.

“Sourcing the information is, unsurprisingly, not a simple task, but that fuelled me to continue my digging with help from my colleagues.

“What started as a small idea in my notebook one Tuesday morning has transformed into something much bigger and will hopefully drive more people towards seeking honesty and transparency.”

Last year, while working for Brighton daily The Argus, Jody joined forces with The New Statesman’s Michael Goodier to reveal 212 police staff across England and Wales dismissed for gross misconduct had left service without either their names or the reason for their sacking being made public.

He said: “Transparency is the cornerstone of trust on which our faith in institutions is built

“These stories, which cover dismissals that have never before reported on before, help to uphold that important value

“Great work bringing this important information to the public, Maya.”