Warwickshire Police officer demoted for inappropriate behaviour

A Warwickshire Police sergeant has been demoted after being found to have behaved in an inappropriate manner on a work night out.  

Detective Superintendent Paul Thompson, head of the force professional standards department, said: “Even when not on duty officers are expected to uphold our standards of professional behaviour. 

“The hearing, which was held on Monday 9 September, found the officer breached standards of professional behaviour, specifically discreditable conduct. 

“It was made clear during this hearing that colleagues had regarded the officer highly in the past. In behaving as he did, he demonstrated a failure of leadership. He has lost the trust of his colleagues and his actions negatively impact public confidence. 

“Chairing the hearing, Debbie Tedds, Chief Constable, found that demotion was appropriate punishment given that the officer took full responsibility for his actions, and she felt he deserved the opportunity to earn back the trust of his colleagues. 

“As with any case of misconduct we will use this incident as an opportunity to remind other members of our workforce of the standards we expect and the consequences if they don’t live up to these standards.” 

The outcome is subject to an appeals process.  

If you have any reason to believe a member of Warwickshire Police is guilty of misconduct in their position, there are multiple ways in which you can report this:  

• Make a complaint online at warwickshire.police.uk/fo/feedback/complaints/complaints/ 

• Report a crime online at warwickshire.police.uk/report 

• Contact the CrimeStoppers anonymous anti-corruption and abuse reporting service on 0800 085 0000 or online at reportpoliceabuse.co.uk/ 

• If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.