North Yorkshire PC keeps job after admitting to racist and sexist remarks
PC Paul Southgate faced five allegations in front of a misconduct hearing this week.
A North Yorkshire police officer has kept his job after admitting to making sexist and racist comments on duty.
PC Paul Southgate faced a disciplinary panel this week, who todaya upheld allegations of misconduct and gross misconduct against him.
He faced five allegations including using inappropriate language in reference to a female colleague and He using racist language in reference to a member of the public.
As well as those two gross misconduct allegations, he was accused of failing to attend to take a statement as part of an investigation, failing to pursue investigative action following a domestic incident and failing to accept lost property from a member of the public, suggesting that they keep it.
He admitted all five allegations.
During the hearing the panel heard about PC Southgate's good service to the community and sensitive handling of a case of racist abuse.
The panel concluded that although his behaviour couldn't be condoned, he would be given a final chance.
He will remain in his post and has been given a final written warning.
Commenting on the result, Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Paul Kennedy said: “Poor professional standards, and sexist or racist attitudes have no place in the police service.
"The fact that these matters were taken to an independently-chaired panel is an indication of how seriously we view this type of misconduct.
"It is for the panel to determine what happens as a result of a misconduct hearing, and they have decided that this officer should receive a final written warning, but remain in post.
"He will continue to serve, and we will ensure that all our officers take heed of the message from this hearing.”