A night out gone wrong has led to a female student police officer being permanently banned from serving in any UK police force. Brogan Canning, who resigned from her role, was found guilty of making an “unwanted sexual approach” towards a senior male colleague. Attempts at inappropriate advances, including touching his leg and trying to kiss him, left the officer feeling “angry and embarrassed.”
Despite the context of friendship and heavy drinking that Canning claims clouded her memory, the misconduct hearing determined her actions were “victimising and offensive.” Witnesses, including colleagues who observed her behaviour that night, confirmed the allegations.
Although she showed remorse and acknowledged that her actions were “out-of-character,” the panel concluded that she would have been dismissed had she not already left the force. They stressed the importance of maintaining public confidence in the police service, noting that Canning’s conduct was a clear breach of professional standards.
Assisting Chief Officer Sarah Jackson, who chaired the hearing, emphasised the impact such incidents can have on the reputation of law enforcement, asserting that the decision to bar Canning from the police was necessary due to the seriousness of the situation.