A FORMER North Wales Police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct at a hearing held at Force Headquarters in Colwyn Bay.
At the hearing, held on Thursday, March 23, former Constable 3169 Hari Williams faced the following allegations:
Whilst on duty on November 28 and 29, 2021 and performing the role of Tutor Constable, former Constable Williams behaved inappropriately and flirtatiously towards a Student Officer (Officer A) making them feel uncomfortable.
Whilst off duty on December 10, 2021, former Constable Williams behaved inappropriately and flirtatiously towards a colleague (Officer A) making them feel uncomfortable, and this behaviour persisted despite warnings. Former Constable Williams thereafter positioned himself next to that colleague during a group photograph and slapped her buttock.
Whilst off duty on December 10, 2021, former Constable Williams posed for a group photograph, positioning himself next to a colleague (Officer B) and placed his arm around her and moved his hand down to her buttock area. Despite Officer B’s efforts to push him away, he continued to place his hand on her buttocks and was abusive towards her.
The disciplinary panel, which was chaired by Stephen Gowland, found that former Constable Williams had breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy, and Discreditable Conduct.
The panel found that he would have been dismissed from North Wales Police had he not resigned at an earlier date.
Mr Williams’ name was subsequently added to the College of Policing barred list to prevent him from re-entering the police service.
Speaking after the hearing, Deputy Chief Constable Richard Debicki said: “We expect the highest standards and professionalism from all our police officers and staff both on and off duty. Former PC Williams’ actions were inappropriate, unprofessional and totally unacceptable.
“We take a zero tolerance approach to matters of this nature and, to be absolutely clear, there is no place for anyone who displays this kind of behaviour in North Wales Police.”
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Lisa Jones, said: “We are extremely grateful to both Officer A and Officer B who have had the courage to speak out about their experiences. Likewise, we are thankful to a number of other officers and colleagues who supported the investigation, which greatly assisted us in the Professional Standards Department.”
Deputy Chief Constable Debicki concluded: “I sincerely hope that our determination to root out such behaviour will give anyone with concerns of this nature the confidence to speak to us. I am incredibly grateful for the victims in this case coming forward, and I am genuinely sorry for their experiences resulting from this former officer’s behaviour.
“North Wales Police welcome the finding of the Panel today, which sends the clear message. Former PC Williams will now be barred from working in policing in the future.”
