Male officer did not demean female colleagues by ‘making them feel stupid’, panel decides
A police officer has been given a final written warning after 31 out of 33 allegations for inappropriate behaviour to female colleagues were rejected at a disciplinary hearing.
A Dorset Police panel decided Sergeant Stephen Hughes had breached standards of professional behaviour for officers – namely equality and diversity, discreditable conduct and authority, respect and courtesy.
It concluded his actions amounted to misconduct and not gross misconduct.
The panel determined that the “necessary” disciplinary outcome was for the officer to receive a final written warning – the maximum sanction available for a finding of misconduct.
Sgt Hughes admitted to making two inappropriate comments toward two female officers that were deemed by the panel to be unacceptable behaviour.
A further 31 allegations – which related to acting toward four female police constables in a way that was demeaning, undermined their confidence, made them feel stupid, caused them to doubt their judgment, made them feel inadequate and embarrassed them – were not proven.
It was also not proven that he encouraged and/or condoned an attitude among some members of his squad that was negative toward part-time officers.
The alleged incidents occurred between April 2014 and January 2016 when the officer was based at Dorchester police station.
The initial hearing, which took place between March 19 and 23 at the force’s Winfrith headquarters, was adjourned until May 1 for closing submissions. The panel reconvened this week where a judgment was delivered.
Following the hearing, Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “All police officers must adhere to the highest standards of professional and personal behaviour.
“Members of the public quite rightly expect these core standards to be constantly upheld and following these standards ensures that officers gain and maintain the trust of the public, which is essential to policing our local communities.
“Our Professional Standards Department thoroughly investigated the allegations and referred the matter to the independently-chaired panel, which made the decision that the officer had breached standards of professional behaviour and gave him a final written warning and we respect the decision of the panel.”