Former Northants Police Officer would have been dismissed over groping allegations
Former Constable Joshua Barden quit before his gross misconduct hearing.
A former police officer with the Northamptonshire force would have been dismissed without notice, following a gross misconduct disciplinary hearing.
The gross misconduct disciplinary hearing was held by Northamptonshire Police at Force Headquarters on May 15, 2025, in relation to Former Constable P1231 Joshua Barden.
It was alleged that the officers' conduct represented a failure to treat a colleague at the time with respect or courtesy and was inappropriate as it was unwanted sexual conduct towards a colleague.
Furthermore it has the potential to undermine public confidence in the police service.
It is alleged that on or about May 23, 2022 the officer concerned breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to: Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct.
It was alleged the officer groped a female colleague on a night out.
The former officer resigned from Northamptonshire Police prior to the hearing being held, and did not attend the hearing.
The panel considered the available evidence and found the allegation proved as Gross Misconduct.
The panel determined that, had former PC Barden still been a serving Police Officer, he would have been dismissed without notice, noting:
"Having reminded itself of the allegations proven, specifically that it involved unwanted sexual misconduct, and the significant impact the former officer’s conduct has had and would have in terms of public confidence in the profession, the panel determined that there was only one appropriate and proportionate conclusion that it could reach in the circumstances, namely, to impose disciplinary action."
The force say:
"Northamptonshire Police is committed to delivering a policing service our communities can trust. To achieve this, it is vital that our officers, staff and volunteers uphold the high standards of behaviour expected of everyone who works in policing.
The vast majority of our policing colleagues do this day in, day out. However, we know there are some who continue to let the public, the service and their colleagues down, and we remain as determined as ever to hold to account those whose conduct and integrity falls short of the standards expected.
Anyone who has concerns about the behaviour or conduct of anyone who works or volunteers for Northamptonshire Police is encouraged to report it. You can do so by calling 101 or report online at www.northants.police.uk/complaints.
All allegations of misconduct are taken seriously and our Professional Standards Department works diligently to investigate such allegations to ensure those who fail to meet these standards are held to account."