A “brazen” former police officer sent unwanted Snapchats to colleagues of him in bed and of his genital area, a police misconduct panel has heard.
The officer, known only as PC X due to a reporting restriction, resigned last week days before he was due to face the hearing beginning on Monday (May 19).
It was told PC X, who did not attend the misconduct hearing, faced the allegations over his “unwanted and inappropriate off-duty interactions” with four female colleagues, between January and December 2022.
Outlining the case against the ex-officer, Oliver Williamson, for the ‘Appropriate Authority’, said X sent unsolicited messages and images sent on Snapchat of himself in bed, in his boxer shorts, of his crotch and genital area, and in one case in a state of semi-arousal.
Mr Williamson said the messaging was considered a breach of the force's authority, respect and courtesy, plus equality and diversity standards, representing discreditable conduct.
He said the ex-officer denies sending inappropriate images and stated he sent a photograph to many recipients showing the bottom of his legs, noting it had been, “a heavy shift”.
PCX claimed with one of the complainants it was in response to her sending images of herself and friends in bikinis and other beach wear, and dancing with other men, while on holiday.
He said he slept with one of the complainants consensually on a few occasions and she was not placed under any pressure to share images of this nature.
Giving evidence, the complainant denied sending him a picture in her bikini at the time alleged, about June 2022, and denied PCX’s assertion that she must, “have an axe to grind”.
She said her ex-colleague had a “reputation” and was, “quite a big character”.
The officer said he always, “had an answer for everything” and it was sometimes, “hard to say no to him.”
Another of the complainants described PCX as “brazen” and said he would just assume the recipients of his messaging would, “just be on board with it.”
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Concluding the authority’s evidence, Mr Williamson said PCX’s conduct amounted to “a serious breach of standards of professional behaviour.”
Despite being aware it was taking place, he chose not to attend or make any representation through a Police Federation representative present.
The recently resigned now ex-constable could be barred from working for any police force again, if found guilty of gross misconduct.
The hearing continues tomorrow (Tuesday May 20).
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