Ex-police sergeant accused of kissing junior colleague without consent and 'inappropriate' relationship
A former police officer is facing a gross misconduct hearing after allegedly kissing a colleague without her consent and forming an “inappropriate” relationship.
Former Sgt David Langford, who has served in Fareham, is accused of “forming an intimate relationship with a junior colleague” and kissing the female officer on another occasion without her consent.
The alleged offences would put him in breach of the National Police Chiefs' Council and College of Policing Guidance on Appropriate Personal Relationships and Behaviours in the Workplace.
A Hampshire Constabulary statement said the former officer “should have known” his behaviour fell short of standards with it being “inappropriate due to the imbalance of power between them”.
The written charge against Sgt Langford added: “On another occasion, whilst out with colleagues and off-duty, former Sgt Langford is alleged to have kissed the junior colleague without consent.
“It is alleged that these actions fell below the standards of police officers and such conduct amounts to the breach of Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct, orders and instructions and, duties and responsibilities.
“It is assessed that these matters individually and collectively amount to gross misconduct, namely a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour that, if proved, is so serious that this officer’s dismissal would be justified.”
The hearing will take place from Monday to Thursday at the Holiday Inn in Eastleigh.