A police officer has been dismissed without notice after sexually harassing two female colleagues, following a gross misconduct hearing held at Gloucestershire Police Headquarters on January 8.
PC Samuel Okyere, a tutor constable, was found to have begun harassing a student officer in 2023. The force’s Professional Standards Department launched an investigation after the harassment was reported.
During the hearing, evidence revealed that PC Okyere made unsolicited remarks about the student officer’s appearance, expressed a desire to kiss her, invited her to a private social event, and shared details of his sexual history. He repeatedly pressured her to keep his behaviour secret, isolated her from other colleagues, and treated her harshly in public to prevent suspicions of misconduct.
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Additionally, PC Okyere sent inappropriate messages to another student officer after seeing her socially, commenting on her physical appearance and stating she was too young for him. Witnesses, including two other officers, testified that he frequently made degrading comments about women, both police personnel and members of the public.
The panel concluded that PC Okyere’s conduct breached professional standards regarding authority, respect, courtesy, equality, diversity, orders, and discreditable conduct, amounting to gross misconduct.
He has been dismissed without notice and will be added to the Police Barred List.
Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint condemned Okyere’s actions: “As a tutor, PC Okyere was entrusted with responsibility and trust. Instead of supporting new officers, he exploited his position to sexually harass them. His deeply disturbing attitudes towards women must be challenged, and I commend the bravery of the victims and colleagues who stood against his predatory behaviour.”