Harris Burnside is a police officer who works out of Borchester Police Station. His main role is a victim liaison officer, working with victims of domestic and sexual violence and his duties include supporting victims to ensure that they feel able to provide evidence. Harris has been working with Linda who has recently reported being sexually assaulted. Linda has been particularly traumatised by her victimisation and feels reliant on Harris for support and guidance.

Harris is currently single and wants to find a partner. He has recently signed up to a dating app and has included a number of photographs. One is of him on duty and in uniform; he thinks this will make him appear strong and reliable. One day, when on duty, but on a break, he starts to scroll through profiles on the dating app and he sees Linda and another person who he recognises as Linda's flatmate, Alesha, that he met when she accompanied Linda to the police station. He is tempted to like both their profiles but wonders if it is the right thing to do.

Shortly afterwards, Linda sends him a message on his work telephone, asking for advice about an upcoming court hearing. Knowing that he is about to take two weeks leave, he asks Linda if she would like his personal telephone number. She agrees, so he sends it. Over his period of leave, the messages between them become more and more personal.

Harris wants to ask Linda out on a date but is not sure whether it is appropriate. He asks a colleague, Beverly, for advice. She suggests that there might be regulations in the police's Professional Standards or Code of Ethics and he should check. Harris thinks this would be a lot of effort, but still not being sure, he asks his Sargent, Sanjay, what he thinks. Sanjay dismissed Harris, saying, 'your personal life has got nothing to do with me.'

At the same time, Linda's flatmate, Alesha, likes Harris's profile and they begin messaging. To help him make up his mind, Harris accesses the Police National Computer to see if there is anything in Linda or Alesha's past that would make it a bad idea to start dating either of them. He finds out that there is intelligence that suggests Linda previously had links with a key player in a local organised crime ring. He also finds out that she has previous convictions for dishonesty. He finds nothing on Alesha. Unperturbed, and following his initial feeling, he decides to ask Linda out on a date.

Linda agrees and they go to a local pub for dinner and drinks the following week. When they arrive, Paul, the owner, recognises Harris and offers them, 'the best seats in the house'. At the end of the evening, when Harris asks for the bill, Pauls says, 'don't worry, they're on me'. Harris is pleased to have a free night out, so graciously accepts. Harris and Linda then agree to have another drink and chat some more. Later, Harris realises that the pub should have closed an hour ago due to restrictions on the licensing hours. When Paul sees Harris check his watch, he says, 'I'm sure a little extra opening time will do no harm.' Harris decides to say nothing but suggests to Linda that they should leave.

Advise Harris on his ethical responsibilities