A police constable is alleged to have acted inappropriately towards colleagues by touching, hugging and even telling two female colleagues that he loved them.
The officer - who is only referred to as "PC H" in police documents - will be facing a misconduct hearing this week and, if the allegations are proven, they could be considered gross misconduct. It is alleged that, in his behaviour, "PC H" breached several standards of professional behaviour for police officers including authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity, orders and instructions and discreditable conduct.
The force's publicity notice states: "It is alleged that PC H: Did not treat his colleagues with respect and courtesy by acting inappropriately towards them.
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"In relation to one colleague (“Officer A”), this included: pretending to cut her hair, touching her face mask repeatedly, hugging her despite her not consenting, holding her hand, putting his hand on her shoulder and telling her he loved her.
"In relation to another colleague (“Officer B”), this included: making comments about her personal appearance, sending her text messages to say he loved her, following her around the police station and telling her he had a “really nice dream” about her.
"In relation to a third colleague (“Officer C”) this included coming up behind her and giving her a cuddle, commenting on her appearance and making her feel uncomfortable.
"In relation to a fourth colleague (“Officer D”), this included touching (for no good reason) the torch on her body armour which was positioned at chest height.
"In relation to a number of female colleagues, this included touching their hair as they sat in the police station. And it is contended that (if proven) the allegations amount to gross misconduct."
The misconduct hearing will start on Wednesday, July 27, at the Avon and Somerset Police HQ in Portishead. The hearing - which is scheduled to continue until Friday - will be held partially in public but subject to restrictions.
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