A serving Dorset Police officer who failed to stop an inappropriate sexualised conversation on a train about a colleague has been found guilty of misconduct.

Following a public misconduct hearing at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith, which concluded on Friday 21 June 2024, the panel found that the officer, who at the direction of the independent Legally Qualified Chair cannot be named at this time, breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in regard to Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct and was guilty of misconduct.

The panel found that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the officer actively engaged in the conversation, but it was satisfied that he would have been aware of it and breached the standards of behaviour by failing to stop it.

He was issued with a final written warning that will remain in place for three years.

The allegations centred on an incident, which took place in April 2022 when the officer and colleagues travelled on a train from London to Dorset following a trip to the capital for a work-related visit.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne said: "I was disappointed to learn about the derogatory conversation that took place between serving members of Dorset Police staff about one of their colleagues.

"This officer failed in his duty to challenge and stop those engaged in the conversation and the outcome of the panel reflects the seriousness of this.

"Any behaviour which is contrary to the Equality Act, the Code of Ethics and the Professional Standards of Behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in serious consequences. Such unacceptable behaviour impacts negatively on public confidence and damages the reputation of the Force.

"We know the vast majority of employees within the organisation are professional and do not demonstrate behaviour that has been heard in this hearing. Unfortunately, the actions of colleagues that day did not meet these high standards.

"We are committed to investigating any unethical or unacceptable behaviour relating to a member of our organisation and I would encourage members of the public to report them to the Force so they can be thoroughly investigated."

Anyone can report any concerns to Dorset Police by calling 101 or emailing [email protected] or to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) via their website www.policeconduct.gov.uk. Alternatively, members of the public can report matters in confidence to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service by calling 0800 085 0000 or via Crimestoppers' website.