Sexually inappropriate PC would have been sacked

A former Guernsey Police officer found to have behaved sexually inappropriately with female colleagues, would have been sacked had he not already resigned, a disciplinary panel has ruled.

The police constable, who has not been named, was found to demonstrated inappropriate sexual behaviour and made sexual comments towards colleagues, and showed a "calculated pattern" of inappropriately starting conversations about sexual matters.

The former officer did not attend the hearing on 15 January, when eight of nine misconduct allegations were "proven and constituted gross misconduct", Guernsey Police said.

Damian Kitchen, Guernsey Police's chief officer, said the "particularly disgusting" behaviour would have seen the officer "dismissed without notice", had he not resigned.

Guernsey Police said the misconduct hearing took place, despite the officer's resignation, to "ensure the behaviour of the former PC was formally recorded".

The force said it was also taking steps to ensure the officer can "never work in policing in any capacity again".

Mr Kitchen said he hoped the outcome of the hearing would encourage anyone who had experienced similar behaviour to come forward.

"It is vital that we maintain public confidence in the force, and public confidence cannot be upheld by allowing individuals who behave in such a way to work in policing," he said.

"Guernsey Police quite rightly expects the highest standards of professional behaviour from its officers and staff, as do the communities we serve and protect.

"The force cannot and will not tolerate behaviour of this kind. We will always take action to protect our officers, staff, and without question, the public."

He added: "Thankfully, behaviour like this is rare, and we have great people working hard in law enforcement to protect the public on the island."

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