Wiltshire Police officer sacked after inappropriate sexual behaviour
It follows a two week long misconduct hearing
A Wiltshire Police officer has been dismissed from the force after inappropriate sexual behaviour.
A misconduct hearing was held into the actions of Police Sergeant Gavin Hucks who was alleged of gross misconduct towards a colleague.
The three incidents took place between January and June 2019.
All of these allegations were proven during the hearing:
Between January 2019 and June 2019 Sgt Hucks sought to pursue a relationship with an officer junior to him in service and for whom he had supervisory responsibility.
Between 1st January - 31st March 2019, Sgt Hucks was on duty in a police vehicle together with a female officer when he parked in a remote location on the outskirts of Trowbridge. Whilst parked he conducted himself in an inappropriate manner and sexually assaulted her.
Between 1st January - 31st March 2019, Sgt Hucks was on duty in a police vehicle together with a female officer when he parked in a remote location on Salisbury Plain near Chitterne. Whilst parked he conducted himself in an inappropriate manner and sexually assaulted her.
Sgt Hucks has now been dismissed without notice.
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills said:
"There is no place in the police service for the behaviours that former Sgt Hucks engaged in.
As both a Police Officer and supervisor he betrayed the trust invested in him and subjected a junior colleague to inappropriate sexual behaviour whilst on duty.
I would like to pay testament to the courage of the female officer in this case, for reporting the actions of former Sgt Hucks and thereby ensuring he is no longer a risk to other colleagues, the wider public or the reputation of policing.
We expect the very highest level of professionalism from everyone within our workforce and there is no place within Wiltshire Police for an officer who displays this type of behaviour.
Finally, I want to reassure our communities of Swindon and Wiltshire that we will not tolerate inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour from those within our workforce.
We expect the very highest level of professionalism and standards from all our officers, staff and volunteers. Upon becoming aware of the allegations, a robust investigation has taken place which has resulted in the matters being referred to an independently chaired gross misconduct hearing.
There is no place within Wiltshire Police for an officer who displays this type of behaviour and I welcome the outcome of today's hearing."