Sussex Police officer dismissed for inappropriate behaviour towards female colleagues

A Sussex Police officer has been dismissed without notice for inappropriate behaviour towards female colleagues.

Officer A, who has been granted anonymity, was subject to a gross misconduct hearing from Wednesday, 17 June to Friday, 19 June.

It was alleged that, between July and August, 2024, he made inappropriate comments and double entendres towards female colleagues.

He also withdrew a female colleague’s driving permit for no policing purpose, telling her she must use public transport or walk to/from her area of work.

On 26 August, 2024, Officer A worked a bank holiday shift rostered whilst in a previous role, despite their new team not working bank holidays and claiming the overtime pay while doing little to no work.

The allegations were found proven at a gross misconduct hearing led by a legally qualified chair, who directed that the officer should remain anonymous.

The hearing found they breached standards of professional behaviour, namely Authority, Respect and Courtesy; Equality and Diversity; Duties and Responsibilities; Discreditable Conduct; and Honesty and Integrity, amounting to gross misconduct and misconduct.

He was dismissed without notice and added to the College of Policing’s Barred List, prohibiting from working in policing in future.

Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme said: “Protecting women and girls is a key focus for Sussex Police, which includes tackling inappropriate behaviour and improving the culture within our own workforce. “This officer targeted female colleagues, who have a right to feel safe and empowered at work and all other aspects of their lives.

“We also have a duty to use public funding wisely, and the dishonesty shown by working a shift at double pay, despite knowing he should not have, adds to a catalogue of behaviours that have no place in policing.