Police Officer Dismissed for “Obsessive” and “Controlling” Conduct

An officer with Wiltshire Police, PC Storm Brand, was dismissed without notice following a finding that he engaged in an “obsessive” and “controlling manner” towards a fellow officer. A misconduct panel heard that PC Brand had attempted to compel a female officer to resume a relationship with him. The disciplinary hearing, which took place in November, concluded that his actions constituted gross misconduct, leading to his prohibition from serving as a police officer. Deputy Chief Constable Craig Dibdin stated that PC Brand “demonstrated fixated, obsessive, intrusive and controlling behaviour.” The misconduct panel was informed that PC Brand’s conduct involved contacting the female officer despite her objections, and also attempting to reach her through her colleagues, friends, and family members. Deputy Chief Constable Craig Dibdin described the conduct as “simply disgraceful.” He remarked, “PC Brand created an environment that was intimidating, hostile and degrading and through his unwanted behaviour, the officer’s dignity was violated causing her distress and concern.” He further commented that the actions brought before the hearing “have no place in the police service.” The hearing, which was chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Ian Saunders and convened at Wiltshire Police Headquarters from 25 to 28 November, determined that PC Brand’s actions constituted a breach of the standards concerning authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity, and discreditable conduct. It was noted that PC Brand had previously been subject to gross misconduct allegations and received a final written warning for engaging in sexually inappropriate behaviour directed at female colleagues.