A FORMER police officer who made “sexualised comments about women” and used “discriminatory language” about the traveller community would have been dismissed if had he not already resigned, an accelerated misconduct hearing has ruled.

Former Gwent Police officer PC Wayne Tancock did not attend the public hearing in Cwmbran on Tuesday 28 April in relation to three allegations that he breached the professional standards of behaviour.

An investigation by Gwent Police’s Professional Standards Department (PSD) was launched in June last year following a review of body-worn camera in which the former PC made the comments while in a police car on duty.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick McLain chaired the accelerated misconduct hearing, ruling that the former officer had breached three of the professional standards of behaviour: ‘authority, respect’ and courtesy’, ‘equality and diversity’, and ‘discreditable conduct.’

Finding the allegations as proven as gross misconduct, ACC McLain said:

“The behaviour of this former officer was totally unacceptable; neither we nor the public accept such conduct from police officers whether on or off duty.

“Our communities rightfully expect our officers and staff to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and not conduct themselves in a way which will cause public trust and confidence in the service to be undermined. However, this former officer has failed to do so.

“We will not accept misogyny, racism or discrimination from our officers or staff.

“The vast majority of the police officers, staff and volunteers, who work for Gwent Police conduct themselves impeccably and work tirelessly to protect the public, those very few who choose to breach the standards expected of them undermine the public’s trust in policing.”

Former police constable Tancock will now be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list.