Gross misconduct proven for Derbyshire officer over threats to woman

A Derbyshire Constabulary officer has been given a final written warning after a disciplinary panel heard that she had used abusive language and threatened her partner’s neighbour during an altercation while off-duty.

Allegations against Police Constable Amy Bartlett were found proven yesterday (Monday 17 October) at the end of a gross misconduct hearing which the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) recommended the force should hold.

The IOPC upheld a review after a woman challenged the outcome of Derbyshire Constabulary’s investigation of her complaint following an incident in Sheffield in June 2020. Following that investigation the force decided in October last year (2021) that PC Bartlett should face proceedings at the lower level of misconduct over her actions.

The IOPC review concluded in January (2022) that PC Bartlett had a case to answer for gross misconduct over allegations that she had used threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour causing the woman to believe physical violence would be used against her.

In upholding the review the IOPC considered evidence indicating that during the incident PC Bartlett had sworn more than 50 times at her partner’s neighbour, who was complaining about noise from the property.

The disciplinary panel was told that during the altercation, recorded by the neighbour on a mobile phone, PC Bartlett threatened her with violence at the hands of other officers.

After hearing the evidence, the independent disciplinary panel, led by a legally qualified chair, ruled that the officer had breached police standards of professional behaviour for discreditable conduct; and authority, respect and courtesy. PC Bartlett was given a final written warning that will stay on her record for two years.

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “Alleged misconduct involving the threat of violence or intimidation and an abuse of authority is a serious matter, and both factors have the potential to undermine public trust in the individual officer and the police service generally. We concluded that there was a case to answer for gross misconduct and the panel has now found the allegations proven at that level.”

Prior to the force’s investigation PC Bartlett had been convicted in June 2021 of an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act in connection with the incident.