Police officer dismissed without notice following gross misconduct hearing

A police officer who sexually harassed two colleagues has been dismissed without notice following a gross misconduct hearing.

The hearing, which took place at Police Headquarters and concluded yesterday (Thursday 8 January), heard how PC Samuel Okyere, a Tutor Constable, began harassing a student officer in 2023.

He was suspended after the matter come to light and our Professional Standards Department investigated.

Evidence was presented to the hearing’s panel detailing how PC Okyere had remarked on the student officer’s physical appearance; told her he wanted to kiss her; invited her to attend a social event but not to tell anyone; and discussed his sexual history with her.

The panel heard he also repeatedly tried to dissuade her from discussing his behaviour with others; sought to isolate her from other colleagues; and treated her harshly in front of other colleagues so as to prevent any suggestion of inappropriate conduct.

PC Okyere also sent a text to another student officer after seeing her on a night out in which he told her she was too young for him and commented on her physical appearance.

In addition to hearing from his two victims, evidence was also heard from two other officers who had witnessed PC Okyere make degrading comments about women – both police officers and members of the public.

The panel ultimately concluded PC Okyere’s behaviour breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy; equality and diversity; orders and instructions; and discreditable conduct and as such, amounted to gross misconduct. He was subsequently dismissed without notice and will also have his name added to the Police Barred List.

Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint said: “As a tutor, PC Okyere was in a position of responsibility and trust but rather than support and nurture student officers at the very beginning of their career, he chose to exploit his position to sexually harass them.

“It’s clear from the evidence given during the hearing that PC Okyere’s attitudes towards women are deeply disturbing and I’m grateful for the courage his two victims and other colleagues have shown to stand up to him and call out his degrading and predatory behaviour.”