Wiltshire Police Officer Sacked for Gross Misconduct
A Wiltshire Police officer has been fired without notice after a watchdog found his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct.
PC Joshua Harper was slammed for breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour during a misconduct hearing on 13 December 2024 at Wiltshire Police HQ, chaired by Chief Constable Catherine Roper.
Two Serious Allegations Upheld
Out of four claims against him, two were upheld, focusing on:
- Authority, Respect, and Courtesy
- Confidentiality, Discreditable Conduct, and Honesty and Integrity
PC Harper was found guilty of sharing inappropriate material with a member of the public for his own sexual gratification. This behaviour severely damaged trust in the police force.
Immediate Dismissal and National Ban
As a result, PC Harper was dismissed without notice and placed on the national barred list, banning him from any future policing jobs across the UK.
Police Boss Promises Zero Tolerance
“The actions of PC Harper go against everything we stand for in policing,” said Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper.
“He shared inappropriate material with a member of the public for his own sexual gratification, undermining the trust the public places in us.
“We act decisively against behaviour falling short of what our communities deserve. We will root out such conduct to maintain the highest professional standards and keep public confidence strong.”
Wiltshire Police has vowed to hold officers accountable and stamp out any inappropriate conduct from the force.
This case shows the force’s commitment to safeguarding public faith by enforcing strict professional standards.
