A police officer was found guilty of gross misconduct after a hearing revealed that she made inappropriate advances towards colleagues while intoxicated. PC Pamela Pritchard, aged 29, faces potential dismissal for her actions at a colleague’s leaving do at Caernarfon Rugby Club in North Wales.
The incident involved PC Pritchard groping a female officer’s breasts on the dancefloor and attempting to kiss a male inspector, causing him to pull away. Another officer, identified as PC B, reported that PC Pritchard unexpectedly groped him below the belt at the bar before repeating the action outside in a smoking area.
PC B further described how PC Pritchard sat on his knee, kissed him on the lips, and engaged in inappropriate behavior throughout the evening. Despite admitting her misconduct, PC Pritchard denied that it amounted to gross misconduct.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Allsop of North Wales Police stated that PC Pritchard’s actions breached professional conduct standards regarding authority, respect, and courtesy, warranting consideration for dismissal due to gross misconduct.
During the hearing, PC Pritchard expressed remorse for her behavior, attributing it to drunkenness and claiming it was uncharacteristic of her. She apologized for her actions and emphasized her embarrassment and regret over the incident.
PC Pritchard, who joined North Wales Police in 2023, faces potential termination following the hearing’s decision. Her defense requested a final written warning instead of dismissal, arguing that there was no risk of recurrence of the misconduct.
Despite her emotional breakdown during the hearing and the impact on her mental well-being, PC Pritchard acknowledged the gravity of the situation and its implications on her career and personal life.