Two British Transport Police Special Officers dismissed without notice - Midlands

Two British Transport Police Special Officers have been dismissed without notice from the Force on 8 September following a public misconduct hearing.

Special Chief Inspector Andy Whitworth, based in the Midlands, and former Special Sergeant Gary Sims, based in London,  were subject to a misconduct hearing at Force Headquarters, Camden, from 5 September to 8 September.

They were  both called to answer allegations relating to breaches of the standards of professional behaviour namely authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

It was alleged that:

• On the night of 16 - 17 October 2021, SCI Whitworth pinched the bottom of a female Special Constable. The incident happened while off duty and socialising with colleagues in Derby.
• During the same night, SPS Sims slapped a female Special Constable’s bottom.

The panel concluded that the allegations were proven and amounted to gross misconduct. SCI Andy Whitworth was dismissed without notice.

SPS Sims resigned from the force following the incident. Had he still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice.  

Detective Superintendent Pete Fulton, Head of BTP’s Professional Standards Department, said:  “These were two senior officers who abused their positions and subjected two junior colleagues to unwarranted sexualised behaviour on a night out.

“Police officers are expected uphold the law and behave with the utmost integrity whether they are on or off duty, which both Andy Whitworth and Gary Sims failed to do. They do not reflect the values of BTP and I wholeheartedly agree with the decision of the panel to dismiss them both.”