Former Norfolk Police Officers Disciplined for Sexual Abuse of Colleagues

The conduct of three former police officers, who sexually abused colleagues during social outings, has been characterized as “horrific” by a chief constable. Evidence presented in two misconduct hearings detailed instances of two female Norfolk Police officers experiencing sexual touching and unwanted sexual behaviour. During one of these cases, a former Police Constable was determined to have placed his hand inside a colleague’s dress and made contact with her genitals. The force stated that while criminal investigations did not result in charges against the officers, all three would have been dismissed from service if they had not already resigned. Paul Sanford, Norfolk’s Chief Constable, commented: “The conduct of these former officers was appalling. They have sexually abused colleagues on a night out. Such behaviour has no place in society or policing.” He further added: “We know the behaviour of those who work in policing is under constant scrutiny, both in our organisation as well as the wider community, and rightly so. “I welcome this scrutiny and our pro-active action to dismiss those officers who have no right to wear the uniform will continue.” The initial misconduct hearing, which took place in November, involved accusations against former officers, identified as Y and Z, for sexual touching and sexually inappropriate conduct toward a colleague during a social event in Norwich in June 2021. The panel’s independent chair granted anonymity to these officers subsequent to legal representations. Evidence presented at the hearing indicated that PC Y requested oral sex, transmitted a photograph of his genitals, and put his hands up the victim’s dress. Concurrently, PC Z was found guilty of touching the woman’s bottom and making comments about her breasts. The panel concluded that both officers exhibited “predatory” behaviour and “a lack of remorse”. During the second hearing, conducted earlier this month, the panel determined that former Sgt Marley Jay Symonds, who had previously received a nomination for a police bravery award, had engaged in unwanted sexual behaviour and touching directed at a colleague during a social outing in April 2023. He reportedly placed his hand inside a colleague’s skirt and touched her bottom. Mr. Sanford further stated: “The horrific behaviour of these officers comes at a cost to the majority who work in our county every day, targeting criminals, taking dangerous people off our streets and protecting the public.” Last month, Norfolk Police initiated Project Vigilant, an initiative described as aiming to detect and disrupt sexual violence targeting women and girls during social nights out.