Misconduct Panel Rules Former Officer Would Have Been Sacked for Abusive Comments

A misconduct panel has determined that a former police officer, who uttered sexually abusive and derogatory remarks during a work social event, would have faced dismissal had he not already resigned. The panel concluded that the conduct of former Thames Valley Police (TVP) officer Christopher Kidd warranted termination to “protect the reputation” of the police force. These comments were made by the former PC in September 2023, when he and several other officers approached a table occupied by two women at The White Rabbit Pub in Oxford. During the incident, Mr. Kidd reportedly uttered religious slurs and abusive language, then told one of the women, “don’t worry I’m not going to rape you, well not yet,” according to testimony at the hearing. A woman present informed the panel that the former PC had become progressively “loud” and “somewhat aggressive” prior to making the abusive and sexually explicit remarks. The panel, which included Thames Valley Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray, determined that Mr. Kidd’s actions constituted gross misconduct based on the balance of probabilities. The woman stated to the panel: “Young women shouldn’t have these experiences, he’s in a position of power and trust.” She further questioned: “If he’s saying that to a complete stranger, what is he saying to other people?” Mr. Kidd, who was absent from the hearings, resigned following the event. A statement presented on his behalf acknowledged certain allegations, such as making a “drunken and inappropriate attempt of a joke” concerning rape. However, he refuted the claim that he implied he would rape the woman. He also issued a formal apology for the remarks directed at the women, asserting that he did not intend them in a “malicious manner” and that his conduct was a “poor attempt at humour.” Mr. Kidd represents the 23rd Thames Valley Police officer this year to have been dismissed for misconduct or to have faced dismissal had they not previously resigned. In August 2021, a visibly intoxicated Mr. Kidd was apprehended subsequent to verbally abusing nightclub patrons and personnel, informing staff of his police officer status, and kicking a door at the establishment. Furthermore, he received a final written warning from Thames Valley Police in May 2022, stemming from an unrelated incident during a night out in Banbury. For further updates, BBC Oxfordshire can be followed on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.