Police officer's behaviour was gross misconduct

Jolley would have been sacked without notice if still a serving officer, the panel said

A Devon and Cornwall Police officer committed gross misconduct when he made sexualised comments and sent misogynistic messages to female colleagues, a tribunal panel has found.

Former Det Sgt Gavin Jolley committed 18 incidents relating to inappropriate behaviour between 2009 and 2021, including attempting to kiss a colleague following a team night out.

He also inappropriately touched a member of the public and made sexually inappropriate comments to members of the public while off duty.

Devon and Cornwall Police said he had previously received "words of advice" on his behaviour.

The panel heard that among the allegations, Jolley had made inappropriate comments to female colleagues about their clothing, and smacked the bottom of a female member of the public and insinuated he had had a sexual dream about her.

Following the hearing, it was concluded that the actions were proven, and Jolley's behaviours had "amounted to gross misconduct".

The panel concluded that if Jolley had still been a serving officer and had not already resigned, he would have been sacked without notice.

Det Supt Alexandra Doughty, head of professional standards, said Jolley's actions had "fallen well below" the standards expected.

She said: “The force and the public expect all officers, staff and volunteers to carry out their roles to a high standard and to maintain the expected behaviours and professional boundaries both inside and outside of work.

"In this case, former Detective Sergeant Gavin Jolley’s actions have fallen well below that and as such it is right that he is no longer able to hold the office of constable."

Following the three-day hearing in November, Jolley was placed on the barred list and will not be able to hold a role in any police force within the UK.