Neil Wilby Media

An announcement on the Cleveland Police website sets out how an officer deployed with their force could face dismissal over a hug and attempted kiss with a colleague.

PC 0254 John Seaman faces allegations that he has breached these Standards of Professional Behaviour:

• Authority, Respect and Courtesy
• Conduct

The specification of those breaches is given as follows:

In August 2022, the subject officer was a Temporary Detective Sergeant in the CID Crime Team at an un-named police station, when a student officer, PC A, joined CID for an attachment as part of her student officer training.

On a date, or dates, unknown in August 2022 the officer suggested to PC A, that he found her attractive and spoke about photographs of her when she was younger in a sexual manner, making her feel uncomfortable about his motives.

On or about 22nd August 2022, the officer went out for a drink with PC A because it was his last day on CID. Afterwards he gave PC A, a hug, which made her feel uncomfortable.

On or about 25th August 2022 the officer arranged to meet up with PC A, off-duty, and met with her at Saltburn. He then drove PC A towards Guisborough and pulled up in a layby in a secluded area. Whilst parked the officer tried to kiss PC A, which made her feel uncomfortable.

It is alleged that the officer breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour, as follows:

Allegation One

That by making inappropriate and/or sexually suggestive comments to PC A, about her appearance that you breached the ‘Authority, Respect and Courtesy’ and/or ‘Discreditable Conduct’ standards of the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

Allegation Two

That by hugging and/or trying to kiss PC A, a student officer that you breached the ‘Authority, Respect and Courtesy’ and/or ‘Discreditable Conduct’ standards of the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

The standard in relation to Authority Respect and Courtesy demands that, police officers act with self-control and tolerance, treating members of the public and colleagues with respect and courtesy. Police officers do not abuse their powers or authority and respect the rights of all individuals.

The standard in relation to Discreditable Conduct demands that police officers behave in a manner which does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence in it, whether on or off duty.

If found guilty of gross misconduct PC Seaman could face dismissal without notice, one of the sanctions available to the Panel.

The hearing opens this morning (8th January, 2023) and will be chaired by Leeds barrister, Simon Mallett. It will be held in public and take place at Scotswood House, Thornaby Place, Stockton on Tees.

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Page last updated: Monday 8th January, 2024 at 0905 hours

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Picture credit: Cleveland Police

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