OFFICER SACKED OVER HARASSMENT
A BARNSLEY police officer who denied breaching force standards after being accused of sexual harassment has been dismissed and placed on the barred list.PC Sam Clee, a response officer based in the town centre, was the subject of a police misconduct hearing in relation to six allegations - ranging from sexual harassment, driving over the speed limit and working a night shift when he was supposed to be on a learning study day, resulting in an enhanced overtime payment from the force.
A report states that Clee was issued a police driving certificate in October 2022, though conditions were attached which did not allow him to use sirens.
However, data shows that on five occasions between April and June 2023, Clee used blue lights and often went over the speed limit - once driving at up to 84mph on the M1 near Dodworth.
“We have considered PC Clee’s account,” the report said.
“He states that he inadvertently exceeded the speed limit on April 17, as he was following a colleague on the M1.
“He further stated that he believed that he was stationary when using emergency equipment.
“He provided detail about June 3, when he issued a traffic offence report and describes putting the blue lights on as he was on an unlit road and there were safety issues.
“He denies a breach of the standards and says that this is more a case of him needing to amend his working practices.” Clee was also alleged to have been sexually inappropriate to two female colleagues.
The first, referred to as Miss A, described the behaviour in the report.
It said: “Whilst she was driving, he informed Miss A that he heard a song that reminded him of her and then Bluetoothed a song to the car stereo.
“The first two lines included the words ‘sexting me’ and ‘get out of my bed’.
“Miss A says that she was shocked and that PC Clee had gone beyond what was acceptable.
“On the return journey, PC Clee made further comments including ‘you look nice in that dress that you wore to the Italian meal’.
“Miss A says that this made her feel very uncomfortable.
“She was shocked by the officer’s comment and attempted to stop the conversation by saying it was an anniversary meal with her husband.” Clee said that his perception of the conversation was different to that of Miss A, and said that he thought he had a good relationship with her.
In a separate allegation against another female officer, referred to as Miss B, the report states that Clee had asked her for bikini pictures and made her feel uncomfortable.
It added: “Miss B and PC Clee exchanged messages on ‘Snapchat’ about cars on a few occasions.
“In 2023, Miss B states that PC Clee messaged her saying that he liked someone on shift but didn’t know what to do about it.
“He also asked if she liked him too.
“Miss B responded that she was happy with her boyfriend and that she did not have feelings for PC Clee.
“In May of 2023, when Miss B went abroad, she says that PC Clee responded to a short video of her boarding a plane on her story by asking ‘where was my invite’ and told her that he was ‘going to ask for bikini pictures’.
“Miss B says that she found the messages awkward and a little uncomfortable.” However, the panel said that the communication did not meet the threshold for sexual harassment and said that the messages were in keeping with the tone of their mutual exchanges.
This allegation was therefore not proven.
It’s stated that Clee claimed his ADHD and subsequent impulsivity is part of the reason for his behaviour.
Police bosses say that although they did consider handing Clee a final written warning, they were left with no choice but to dismiss him and place him on the College of Policing Barred List.
The report added: “The panel gave serious consideration to a final written warning but considered that this would not achieve the legitimate aim.
“The public are entitled to expect that officers will conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in their professional conduct and behave appropriately towards women and girls.
“The panel concluded that the only sanction that meets the purpose of the police misconduct regime is that of dismissal without notice.
“As a consequence of this outcome PC Clee will be placed on the College of Policing Barred List.”
