A Wiltshire Police officer has received a final written warning after a misconduct hearing found his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct.
The hearing, held at Wiltshire Police Headquarters between 29 July and 2 August 2024, was chaired by an independent Legally Qualified Chair. The panel concluded that PC Storm Brand breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for police officers in areas of Authority, Respect and Courtesy, and Equality and Diversity.
The incidents in question occurred between July 2023 and November 2023, during which PC Brand was alleged to have acted in a sexually inappropriate manner towards female colleagues. Some incidents occurred while PC Brand was acting as a Sergeant, creating a power imbalance between him and the affected colleagues.
The panel reviewed three allegations against PC Brand:
- One allegation was upheld and deemed gross misconduct.
- Another allegation was partially upheld and deemed misconduct.
- The third allegation was not proven.
As a result, PC Brand was given a final written warning, which will remain in place for three years.
Deputy Chief Constable Craig Dibdin commented, “Our communities rightly expect nothing but the highest standards of professional behaviour from all our officers and staff. This extends to our internal communities—our colleagues deserve to be treated with respect by their fellow officers and staff.
“PC Brand’s actions fell short of the standards we expect, and he has been held accountable for his actions. I am grateful to those who stepped forward in this case to provide evidence, and we continue to encourage our colleagues to report all behaviour and conduct that falls below the standards expected.”
In line with the Police Conduct Regulations 2020, PC Brand has a period of 10 working days to appeal the outcome.
