Officer dismissed without notice following sexual comments – Reading

An officer based in Reading has been dismissed following a gross misconduct hearing held between 22 and 25 January.

Police Constable Aaron Petford attended his hearing chaired by an independent Legally Qualified Chair held at British Transport Police (BTP) Headquarters in Camden, following allegations of gross misconduct.

Over the course of a year, commencing around August 2021, PC Petford was found to have made a series of inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to two female colleagues and one male colleague on a number of occasions.

The panel found all ten allegations proven and were satisfied that his actions breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to ‘authority, respect and courtesy’ and ‘discreditable conduct’.

They concluded that PC Petford acted deliberately and the most appropriate outcome to ensure public confidence in the police service and deter future misconduct, was dismissal without notice.

Deputy Chief Constable Alistair Sutherland, said:

“Through his actions PC Petford showed his colleagues a complete lack of respect and professionalism and made them feel uncomfortable over a prolonged period.  This is unacceptable and in no way supports the values of this force.”