Hertfordshire police sergeant accused of ‘utilising power imbalances’
A five-day disciplinary hearing has started this week.
Last updated 5th Jan 2022
A Hertfordshire Constabulary sergeant has been accused of utilising “power imbalances” to engage in sexualised behaviour with female juniors.
PS Graeme Edwards is alleged to have also “disclosed confidential information regarding other officers” to members of his team.
The officer will face a five-day disciplinary hearing, which started yesterday (January 4) and will end on Monday (January 10)
The hearing will determine whether the officer breached the Standard of Professional Behaviour in relation to: Honesty and Integrity, Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Orders and Instructions, Confidentiality and Discreditable Conduct.
Misconduct hearings take place when an officer or member of staff face allegations of gross misconduct, and could face dismissal if they are found to have breached the relevant standards of professional behaviour.
Hearings are usually held wholly or partly in public, although the chair can decide to ask members of the public to withdraw whilst certain issues are heard or addressed.
The full notice of this week’s hearing, posted on Hertfordshire Constabulary’s website, said: “PS Edwards is alleged to have utilised power imbalances to engage in sexualised behaviour with females junior in rank and that he had line management responsibility for. He disclosed confidential information regarding other officers to junior members of his team.
“The Appropriate Authority will contend that the officer breached the following Standard of Professional Behaviour: Honesty and Integrity, Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Orders and Instructions, Confidentiality and Discreditable Conduct.”
The hearing will take place at the Focalare Centre of Unity, Welwyn Garden City and was scheduled to begin at 10am on January 4.
The outcome of the hearing will be published by Hertfordshire Constabulary at a later date.