A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed without notice after a misconduct panel found he engaged in unwanted sexual behaviour towards several colleagues over a three-year period.
Detective Sergeant Gethin Jones, who was attached to the West Area’s Public Protection Team, was found to have committed gross misconduct following a disciplinary hearing that concluded on Wednesday, March 19.
The panel heard that six colleagues, most of them junior in rank, had come forward with allegations of sexual harassment, misogynistic comments, and inappropriate communication, both in person and via phone messages. The incidents occurred between July 2019 and September 2022, during both on- and off-duty interactions.
The panel ruled that DS Jones had breached multiple standards of professional behaviour, including:
- Authority, respect and courtesy
- Equality and diversity
- Discreditable conduct
Senior Officer Condemns Behaviour
Chief Superintendent Jill Horsfall, who leads policing for the West Area, condemned Jones’ actions, stating:
“DS Jones’ behaviour was completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the Met. He made his colleagues, most of them a junior rank, feel extremely uncomfortable by his behaviour. It’s right that he has been dismissed with immediate effect.”
She praised the victims for their bravery in speaking out:
“Work should be a safe space, with colleagues you can trust and feel comfortable around. I would like to praise those colleagues for coming forward and reporting DS Jones’ offensive and inappropriate behaviour. I would encourage anyone else who is experiencing something similar, to do the same.”
Barred from Future Policing Roles
Following his dismissal, DS Jones will be added to the barred list maintained by the College of Policing, which prevents him from working in any policing or law enforcement-related roles in the UK. This includes employment with police forces, policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
The Metropolitan Police has reiterated its commitment to tackling inappropriate behaviour and misconduct within its ranks, in line with wider reforms to improve trust, integrity, and workplace culture across the force.
