Wiltshire roads police inspector kicked out of force

Andy Moreton, who was last posted to the Roads Policing Unit, faced a gross misconduct hearing last week.

He was dismissed from the force after nine allegations of inappropriate and misogynistic behaviour were upheld during the three-day hearing.

The allegations, which related to his behaviour between April 2020 and September 2022, involved 11 female colleagues.

Moreton, who was suspended from his post in early 2023, was dismissed from the organisation without notice.

He will also be placed on the College of Policing Barred Advisory List, meaning he will be unable to work in policing in the future.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper branded Moreton’s behaviour “disgusting”.

Inspector Andy Moreton (Image: Wiltshire Police)

She said: “The actions and attitude of Andy Moreton were, frankly, disgusting and have no place inside or outside of policing.

“His actions are indicative of a pattern of behaviour which is wholly misogynistic – using overtly sexualised language to both demean and intimidate the women he worked alongside.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of the women who came forward and gave their accounts to our Professional Standards Department.

“One of the principles of the new College of Policing Code of Ethics is courage and these women have demonstrated this core value faultlessly – we cannot underestimate the courage it takes to be an upstander.”

The Chief Constable says Wiltshire Police is trying to create an inclusive and respectful culture.

She added: “We are determined to have a culture which is positive, inclusive and respectful and where everyone feels they can call out inappropriate behaviour, be listened to, believed and that action will be taken.

“In order for the public to ever have trust and confidence in our service, we must continue to take robust action against those within our organisation whose actions seek to undermine our policing purpose.”

Three gross misconduct hearings have been held by Wiltshire Police this year involving officers reportedly behaving inappropriately or sending inappropriate, sexual, or racist messages and emails.

These resulted in one dismissal and one final warning, while a further warning would have been sanctioned had an officer not left the organisation.

PCC Philip Wilkinson added: “Wiltshire Police will not provide a breeding ground for these misogynistic and racist behaviours we have heard about in the last few weeks.

“For too long, this culture has been ignored and explained away with officers and staff expected to accept it as banter”.