A WILTSHIRE Police inspector has been dismissed after allegations of inappropriate and misogynistic behaviour were upheld.
Andy Moreton, who was last posted to the Roads Policing Unit, faced a Gross Misconduct Hearing on February 12 regarding a series of allegations between April 2020 and September 2022.
Mr Moreton was suspended from his post in early 2023 after nine allegations involving 11 female colleagues came to light.
The three-day hearing, chaired by an independent, Legally Qualified Chair, upheld all nine allegations and Mr Moreton was dismissed from Wiltshire Police without notice.
Mr Moreton was given special recognition for his long service at Wiltshire Police's 'Force Awards' ceremony in December 2022.
Read more: Wiltshire Police officers that stopped human trafficking ring honoured
Chief constable Catherine Roper said: "The actions and attitude of Andy Moreton were, frankly, disgusting and have no place inside or outside of policing.
“His actions are indicative of a pattern of behaviour which is wholly misogynistic – using overtly sexualised language to both demean and intimidate the women he worked alongside."
Chief constable Roper thanked the women who came forward and gave their accounts to the force's Professional Standards Department.
She added: “One of the principles of the new College of Policing Code of Ethics is courage and these women have demonstrated this core value faultlessly – we cannot underestimate the courage it takes to be an upstander.
“We are determined to have a culture which is positive, inclusive and respectful and where everyone feels they can call out inappropriate behaviour, be listened to, believed and that action will be taken.
“In order for the public to ever have trust and confidence in our service, we must continue to take robust action against those within our organisation whose actions seek to undermine our policing purpose.”
In addition to being dismissed from the organisation, Mr Moreton will also be placed on the College of Policing Barred Advisory List, meaning he will not be able to pursue a career in policing in the future.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel