Wiltshire Police Inspector dismissed due to inappropriate and misogynistic behaviour

Tuesday, 20 February 2024 00:00

A Wiltshire Police Inspector has been dismissed from the organisation after allegations of inappropriate and misogynistic behaviour were upheld.

Andy Moreton, who was last posted to the Roads Policing Unit, faced a Gross Misconduct Hearing last week (February 12th) regarding a series of allegations between April 2020 and September 2022.

He was suspended from his post in early 2023.

The three-day hearing, chaired by an independent, Legally Qualified Chair, considered nine allegations involving 11 female colleagues.

All nine allegations were upheld, and Mr Moreton was dismissed from the organisation without notice.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: “The actions and attitude of Andy Moreton were, frankly, disgusting and have no place inside or outside of policing.

“His actions are indicative of a pattern of behaviour which is wholly misogynistic – using overtly sexualised language to both demean and intimidate the women he worked alongside.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of the women who came forward and gave their accounts to our Professional Standards Department.

“One of the principles of the new College of Policing Code of Ethics is courage and these women have demonstrated this core value faultlessly – we cannot underestimate the courage it takes to be an upstander.

“We are determined to have a culture which is positive, inclusive and respectful and where everyone feels they can call out inappropriate behaviour, be listened to, believed and that action will be taken.

“In order for the public to ever have trust and confidence in our service, we must continue to take robust action against those within our organisation whose actions seek to undermine our policing purpose.”

In addition to being dismissed from the organisation, Mr Moreton will also be placed on the College of Policing Barred Advisory List, meaning he will not be able to pursue a career in policing in the future.