Final warning for sexually inappropriate police officer

Wiltshire police officer Storm Brand has kept his job despite his sexually inappropriate behaviour

A police officer who behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner towards female colleagues has been given a final written warning.

Wiltshire Police officer PC Storm Brand was accused of acting inappropriately both on and off-duty, during a series of incidents between July and November 2023.

One of the allegations against him was found to have amounted to gross misconduct during a hearing at Wiltshire Police Headquarters in Devizes between 29 July and 2 August.

Deputy Chief Constable Craig Dibdin said: “PC Brand’s actions fell short of the standards we expect and has been held to account for his actions."

"I am grateful to those who stepped forward in this case to provide evidence and we continue to encourage our colleagues to report all behaviour and conduct that falls below the standards expected," he added.

'Power imbalance'

During some of the incidents, PC Brand was an acting sergeant, therefore a power imbalance existed between him and the colleagues who were subjected to his behaviour, the hearing was told.

Considering three allegations against him, a majority panel decision was made to uphold one allegation and partially uphold another - one amounting to gross misconduct and the other amounting to misconduct.

A third allegation was not proven but overall his behaviour was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for police officers of Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Equality and Diversity.

As a result, PC Brand was given a final written warning, which will remain on record for three years.