Police officer barred after trying to kiss vulnerable woman

The 38-year-old attempted to kiss a woman while taking a statement from her

A former Sussex Police officer who tried to kiss a vulnerable woman while on duty has been barred from policing.

Steve Green, who had already resigned, appeared at a two-day misconduct hearing on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The panel found his actions in February 2022 amounted to gross misconduct.

The force said the 38-year-old, who was based in Eastbourne, made "inappropriate contact" by phone with the woman, whom he had met on duty.

In a statement, it added: "He went on to attempt to pursue an inappropriate relationship with the woman and while attending her home to take a statement from her, attempted to kiss her."

A misconduct panel found he breached professional behaviour standards and would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned.

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Mr Green has been placed on the College of Policing barred list to prevent him returning to the profession.

Det Supt Jon Robeson, deputy head of professional standards, said the force took reports of inappropriate behaviour "extremely seriously".

"This officer's behaviour is a violation of the trust that the public put in the police to serve and protect them," he added.

"He has not only let down the public, but also his colleagues, who carry out an enormous amount of good work with victims of serious offences every day."

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