A Wiltshire Police inspector has been dismissed from the force following accusations of inappropriate and misogynistic behaviour towards 11 female colleagues.
Andy Moreton, who had served with the force since 2001 and most recently held the position of Head of the Roads Policing Unit and Serious Collision Investigation Unit, was found guilty of gross misconduct during a hearing held at Devizes HQ last week on February 12.
The panel, chaired by an independent Legally Qualified Chair, considered nine allegations spanning from April 2020 to September 2022. These allegations included claims of inappropriate sexual comments and behaviour directed towards female staff members.
Among the disturbing incidents, one complaint highlighted Moreton’s inappropriate sexual remarks regarding a female police staff member’s ponytail.
All nine complaints were upheld during the hearing, resulting in Moreton’s dismissal without notice. He had been suspended from duty since early 2023 pending the outcome of the investigation.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper condemned Moreton’s actions, describing them as “disgusting” and emphasizing that such behaviour had no place within or outside of policing. She commended the courage of the women who came forward to report the misconduct and emphasized the importance of fostering a positive and respectful workplace culture.
Roper stated, “We are determined to have a culture which is positive, inclusive and respectful and where everyone feels they can call out inappropriate behavior, be listened to, believed and that action will be taken.”
As a result of his dismissal, Moreton will also be placed on the College of Policing Barred Advisory List, effectively barring him from pursuing a career in policing in the future.
The case underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for behaviour that undermines the integrity and professionalism of the police force, as well as the need for organizations to foster an environment where misconduct is not tolerated.
