Misconduct Hearing Outcome Chief Inspector Paul Crouch

Between Monday 23rd and Friday 27th May 2022 Chief Inspector Paul Crouch attended a Misconduct Hearing at BTP Force Headquarters, Camden Road, London, NW1 to answer allegations that he breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy; Discreditable Conduct; and Equality and Diversity.

The allegations are that:

1. Whilst on duty, CI Crouch made inappropriate sexual comments to a colleague in relation to a serious sexual assault and/or rape that had taken place involving a minor.
2. Whilst on duty and in conversation with a colleague, CI Crouch made inappropriate sexist comments about a newly promoted senior officer.
3. On an unknown date in 2021, in separate conversations with colleagues whilst on duty, CI Crouch made inappropriate sexual comments about a senior officer.
4. CI Crouch kept a list of whom he considered to be the “top ten fittest women” he worked with, and that the Officer had written the word “list” on a post-it note and placed it visible to colleagues. On a number of occasions CI Crouch would “tap” the post-it note when one of the women walked past, and on a number of occasions would wink at another colleague, Ms A, whilst doing this, and made repeated other references to such a “list”. The keeping of such a list created a sexualised work environment and was sexist behaviour.
5. Between 2019 and 2021, CI Crouch made repeated inappropriate sexual comments to a colleague, and intended to demean, embarrass, and undermine the colleague. This behaviour was motivated on the grounds of sex and it is alleged that this amounted to sexual discrimination against the Officer’s colleague.
6. On unknown dates but approximately 2011 – 2012 and/or 2018-2021, CI Crouch used inappropriate and sexual behaviour towards a female colleague, Ms B, whilst on duty.
7. Between approximately 2013 – 2014, CI Crouch had pictures of women next to his desk in view of colleagues, including Ms B. This behaviour was inappropriate and sexual and created a sexualised working environment.
8. CI Crouch, whilst on duty, made inappropriate and sexist comments regarding the promotion of a female colleague.

The Panel found the allegations of Authority, Respect and Courtesy, and Equality and Diversity were proven for all allegations, except 7, and the acts cumulatively amounted to Gross Misconduct.

The Panel found the allegations in relation to Discreditable Conduct were proven for allegations 1 and 5, but not for the others.

The Panel found allegation 7 was part proven, but did not amount to Misconduct.

He was dismissed without notice.