PC guilty of gross misconduct for sexually harassing colleagues

A former police officer who sexually harassed colleagues at work would have been dismissed had he not resigned, a panel ruled today (5 July).

Former PC Mark McKitterick targeted female colleagues while on an initial investigations team at our Lloyd House headquarters in Birmingham.

They were left ‘shocked, embarrassed, upset and angry’ by the officer’s behaviour, which included inappropriate personal questions, unwanted hugging and other physical contact, West Midlands Police said.

The first incident happened in 2017. When one of his victims came forward to complain in March 2020, another women also spoke out about his behaviour.

At a hearing on Tuesday (July 5) in front of an independent chair, the former PC was found to have breached professional standards of authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity and discreditable conduct.

The officer has already resigned, but the misconduct process continued. The independent chair found the officer’s behaviour amounted to gross misconduct, and that he would have been dismissed had he not resigned. He will now be placed on the barred list, preventing him from working in policing.

The panel said: “We would add that we hope that this decision not only sends a clear message to all officers that such behaviour will not be tolerated, but also it encourages others to raise their concerns without any fears as to repercussions, and that the Force considers ways in which support can be provided to victims to come forward and be protected.”

Supt Wendy Bailey, from our Professional Standards Department, said: “Former PC McKitterick’s behaviour was completely unacceptable and has left colleagues understandably feeling really upset.

“Police officers have a right to be treated with respect and dignity by colleagues at all times and this officer fell well short of that on several occasions.

“We make it clear to all of our officers and staff that we expect the highest standards of professionalism and behaviour, whether in public or in the workplace, and unacceptable behaviour such as this will be dealt with swiftly.”

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