A SERVING Dorset Police officer who was found guilty of misconduct after failing to stop a sexual conversation about a colleague has been identified as a senior rank.

Superintendent Peter Browning’s identity and position were not able to be reported during his police misconduct hearing due to reporting restrictions made by the panel.

It was alleged that in April 2022 police staff played an inappropriate sexual game about a female staff member when returning from a work trip.

(Image: Newsquest)

It was said that Superintendent Browning either participated in this conversation, or heard it and did not act to stop it.

The group, including Superintendent Browning, were returning to Dorset after meetings in London and visited a number of pubs on their way to London Waterloo train station.

It is said that during the journey members of the group played ‘snog marry avoid’ and joked about much they would need to be paid to perform oral sex on a female colleague, with one saying they would only require a cheeseburger.

Following the police misconduct hearing, from June 17 to June 21, the panel found that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the officer actively engaged in the conversation.

However, it was satisfied that he would have been aware of it and breached the standards of behaviour by failing to stop it.

Superintendent Browning was found guilty of misconduct and was issued with a final written warning that will remain in place for three years.

Assistant chief constable Steve Lyne said: “I was disappointed to learn about the derogatory conversation that took place between serving members of Dorset Police staff about one of their colleagues.

“This officer failed in his duty to challenge and stop those engaged in the conversation and the outcome of the panel reflects the seriousness of this.

“Any behaviour which is contrary to the Equality Act, the Code of Ethics and the Professional Standards of Behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in serious consequences. Such unacceptable behaviour impacts negatively on public confidence and damages the reputation of the Force.

“We know the vast majority of employees within the organisation are professional and do not demonstrate behaviour that has been heard in this hearing. Unfortunately, the actions of colleagues that day did not meet these high standards.

“We are committed to investigating any unethical or unacceptable behaviour relating to a member of our organisation and I would encourage members of the public to report them to the Force so they can be thoroughly investigated.”