Police officer failed to stop 'sexualised conversation'

The officer was given a three-year final written warning

A serving Dorset Police officer has been found guilty of misconduct after he failed to stop colleagues' “inappropriate sexualised conversation” on a train.

A panel heard the officer was “aware” of the conversation in April 2022 and that he had “failed in his duty to challenge and stop” it.

The officer, whose name and rank cannot be published, was given a final written warning, which will last for three years.

The force’s Deputy Chief Constable, Steve Lyne, said the “vast majority” of its employees were professional.

A public misconduct hearing held at Dorset Police’s headquarters in Winfrith, which finished on Friday, found there was insufficient evidence to prove that the officer actively engaged in the conversation.

The officer cannot be named because of a decision made by the panel’s independent chairperson.

Mr Lyne said: “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.

“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.”

He said Dorset Police was committed to investigating any "unethical or unacceptable behaviour relating to a member of our organisation", adding: "I would encourage members of the public to report them to the force so they can be thoroughly investigated.”