Barry Special Constable is thrown out for ‘misogynistic behaviour’
Barry Special Constable is thrown out for ‘misogynistic behaviour’
A Police Officer – named only as ‘Special Constable C’ – has been thrown out of the Force after a series of incidents that took place in Barry Police Station.
The incidents took on the 24th October, 2021, and the Special Constable resigned a week later, on 1st November.
At an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing on 14th January 2022, Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan noted that the officer had already resigned and “had not engaged with the proceedings”.
Former Special Constable C stood accused of three offences of breaching the standards of professional behaviour. All three took place on the same day.
Allegation 1, whilst on duty at the Mess Room at Barry Police Station former SC C slapped the buttock of Police Constable A.
Allegation 2, whilst on duty at the Mess Room at Barry Police Station immediately after the conduct outlined in Allegation 1, former Special Constable C raised his hand in an attempt to slap the buttock of PC B but refrained from doing so when PC B challenged him.
Allegation 3, whilst on duty at the parade room at Barry Police Station and following on from Allegation 2, former SC C approached PC B and in the presence of a number of officers made comment about her appearance causing her to feel embarrassed.
Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan found all three allegations to be proved. He said: “Former Special Constable C has not attended this hearing today, nor has he sought to be represented at the hearing. Former SC C has decided not to engage with the proceedings. He has not submitted a written response as required by Regulation 54 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020. In particular, he has not stated whether or not he admits the allegations or if he accepts that his conduct amounts to gross misconduct.
“I have found that for each allegation former SC C has breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct. Former SC C has failed to act with self-control and tolerance and has not treated two female police officer colleagues with respect or courtesy. His actions have brought discredit on the police service and are capable of undermining the confidence of the public in policing.
“My decision on Outcome is that I am satisfied that former SC C would have been dismissed had he not resigned.
“I have considered aggravating factors in assessing the seriousness of the conduct. The conduct involved an abuse of trust and position. Two police officer colleagues were subjected to improper behaviour by former SC C. The conduct continued after former SC C realised or should have realised that it was improper. The conduct is a significant deviation from instructions which includes orders, force policy and national guidance.
“In terms of mitigation, the misconduct was confined to a short period of time, but I recognise the mitigation to be low. I recognise that former SC C immediately resigned from the force, thus he has taken action to reduce the harm caused. Former SC C has also subsequently said he is sorry for the upset caused to his former colleagues.
“There is no room in South Wales Police for this type of behaviour, whether a volunteer or not, the Standards of Professional Behaviour apply the moment you walk through the door. Officers and staff who work for South Wales Police should feel safe and confident at work. This type of misogynistic behaviour and any type of sexual harassment at work will not be tolerated and I have no hesitation in the dismissing the officer.
“The vast majority of the Police officers, staff and volunteers, such as special constables, who work for South Wales Police, conduct themselves impeccably and work tirelessly to protect the public. Those very few who choose to breach the standards expected of them undermine the public’s trust in policing. There is no room for this type of conduct in South Wales Police.
“In accordance with the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 the Findings and Outcome from this hearing will be referred to the College of Policing in order for former SC C to be placed on the Police Barred List.”
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