Officer dismissed without notice following misconduct hearing

A police officer who asked colleagues questions, and made comments, of a sexual nature has been dismissed without notice.

The officer, who we are not naming to protect his victims’ identities, was dismissed after a misconduct hearing, chaired by an independent legally qualified person, found that their conduct amounted to gross misconduct.

Our investigation found that between July and August 2021 and in October 2021, the officer had asked colleagues inappropriate questions, and made comments, of a sexual nature.

The three-day hearing, which concluded on 29 November, found the officer had breached authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct standards.

The officer, who was suspended in March 2022, will be placed on the national College of Policing’s Barred List, preventing him from working within policing and other law enforcement bodies.

Deputy Chief Constable Jon Roy said: “This was entirely unacceptable behaviour. The officer treated his colleagues inappropriately and with an utter lack of respect or consideration. He’s brought discredit on our force, as these are not the high standards we all expect.

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated, and his colleagues rightly reported his actions.”