Former Sussex Police officer dismissed for inappropriate sexual behaviour

A former Sussex police officer has been dismissed after she sexually assaulted two colleagues by inappropriate touching and made sexual comments towards them while off duty. 

Ex-PC Olivia Clinton, 30, who was based on East Sussex division, was the subject of a misconduct hearing held at Sussex Police headquarters on 23 April in front of a panel chaired by Surrey Police Assistant Chief Constable Peter Gardner.

Misconduct hearings are now chaired by a police chief officer as amended by the Police (Conduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2024. This applies to cases where misconduct proceedings were issued on or after 7 May, 2024. The misconduct panel also comprises of two Independent Panel Members, appointed by the local policing body to allow for independence and impartiality during the proceedings from outside policing, representing the public. 

The hearing was told that the former officer attended a social event on 4 January 2024 and sexually assaulted by touching two of her colleagues and also made inappropriate sexual comments towards them. 

The former officer was suspended from duty while an investigation while an investigation was carried out. It was determined that while the alleged conduct did not meet the threshold for criminal proceedings, the officer’s behaviour would be subject of a disciplinary hearing. She resigned from the force in February this year.

The panel found that her behaviour was a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct and, authority, respect and courtesy which amounted to gross misconduct, which had been admitted by the former officer. She will now be added to the College of Policing Barred list which will prevent a return to policing.

Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme, Deputy head of force Professional Standards said: “The officer’s actions were unwanted and invasive.  This was extremely concerning because police officers and staff must behave in a manner that does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence, whether on or off duty.

"All staff are aware of the standards of professional behaviour and the force remains committed to holding officers to account where they fall below the high standards the public rightly expect.”