A Derbyshire police acting sergeant has been dismissed without notice after kissing a female colleague twice without her consent and sending another female colleague an inappropriate WhatsApp message demanding 'send nudes'. The officer, who cannot be named due to medical reasons, was found by a misconduct panel to have breached professional behaviour standards in two separate incidents involving colleagues while on duty.
Misconduct Hearing Details
The four-day misconduct hearing heard that the officer, an acting sergeant, kissed a colleague referred to as PC B on two occasions. The first kiss occurred inside a station locker room while the officer was off duty; the second happened later while both were on duty, inside a police vehicle parked in a layby on the A38. PC B told the panel she did not wish to be kissed on either occasion, although she acknowledged there had been a 'flirtatious' relationship between them. The officer maintained the kisses were mutual and consensual, but the panel 'were troubled' by this claim, according to Derbyshire Live.
In a separate incident, the officer sent an unwanted WhatsApp message to another female colleague, referred to as PC A, stating 'send nudes'. When she refused, he replied 'Boo, you w****'. The panel concluded the officer's conduct towards PC B constituted sexual assault on two occasions, while on duty and on police premises.
Panel's Findings and Sanction
The panel's report stated: 'There is simply no place in the Constabulary for officers who engage in behaviour such as this.' However, it noted that the officer at the 'material time was suffering with mental ill health which may have had the effect of affecting his judgement'. Yet it was highlighted that his initial report to a doctor occurred after misconduct papers had been served. The panel dismissed him without notice, stating: 'It was behaviour of the utmost seriousness, that breached the standards of professional behaviour so seriously that no lesser sanction would be appropriate in all the circumstances.'
The report added: 'The panel considered that the public, if in possession of all the facts, would be more than disappointed in the officer's actions, they would be appalled. The harm to the constabulary and to PC B was significant, and there had been no remorse in respect of that behaviour.'
No Criminal Investigation
Derbyshire police stated the case was subsequently reviewed but 'did not meet the threshold for criminal investigation'. After the hearing, a Derbyshire police spokesperson said: 'The officer was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour due to his conduct towards two female colleagues while on duty. The breach of the standards was deemed so serious that he was dismissed without notice.' The officer's name will be placed on the barred list, preventing him from serving in any police force again.
Context and Impact
The officer was 15 years senior to PC B. The panel examined medical evidence and decided to preserve the officer's anonymity. This case underscores ongoing efforts within UK police forces to address misconduct and rebuild public trust. Similar incidents have led to increased scrutiny of behaviour within ranks, with many forces reinforcing policies against sexual harassment and assault.
