A police officer who touched his colleague's penis and shouted 'it’s a small one' has been sacked. PC Adam Reed was dismissed by Wiltshire Police for his 'wholly inappropriate' behaviour.
He was sacked following a five day misconduct hearing headed by an independent lawyer, a Legally Qualified Chair (LQC), Wales Online reports. During the hearing, Reed admitted that at a police station, in front of colleagues, he had pulled down the officer’s trouser zip, inserted his hand and touched his penis before shouting 'it's a small one'.
He claimed the incident was 'banter', and that he shouldn't be sacked. Reed argued it amounted to misconduct rather than gross misconduct, which results in dismissal.
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But it was ruled that Reed’s behaviour was gross misconduct. He will not be able to work as a police officer again, as he was placed on the national barred list.
The victim, named as officer X at the hearing, said he was left 'violated' by Reed's actions. He had only spoken to Reed occasionally before, and had never worked with him directly.
The incident only happened about a month after officer X started full time in October last year. Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills, of Wiltshire Police, said: "The actions of former Police Constable Adam Reed were not only wholly inappropriate, they violated the dignity of his colleague and, would have caused him significant distress.
"His actions amounted to unwanted sexual conduct and the LQC’s decision to dismiss Adam Reed from Wiltshire Police is completely endorsed by the Force. He will now be placed on the national barred list which will ensure he is not able to work in policing in the future.
"There is no place in Wiltshire Police for anyone who conducts themselves in this way and, further to becoming aware of this incident, the officer was immediately suspended from the organisation. The actions of this individual will undoubtedly cause public concern and likely undermine the work of the exceptionally committed members of our organisation who strive to provide an outstanding service to the communities they serve."
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