A former senior police officer in Wales has been dismissed from his role for displaying “inappropriate and misogynistic behaviour” towards female colleagues over the span of several years. Gary Davies, a former superintendent with Dyfed-Powys Police, was initially suspended in July 2022 following concerns raised about his conduct. The misconduct hearing that led to his dismissal took place at Dyfed-Powys Police headquarters, overseen by Mr. Oliver Thorne, and featured testimonies from numerous current and former colleagues, the majority of whom were women impacted by Davies’ behaviour between 2017 and 2020. Davies had joined the force in 2002 and rose to the rank of superintendent in 2019.
Deputy Chief Constable Ifan Charles issued an apology to any staff members who had experienced victimisation due to Davies’ actions, emphasizing the force’s commitment to upholding high professional standards. Davies’ dismissal entails his addition to the College of Policing Barred List, effectively prohibiting him from rejoining the police service. Highlighting the severity of the situation, Deputy Chief Constable Charles commended the courage of those who reported Davies’ misconduct and reiterated the force’s stance on maintaining stringent behavioural expectations, particularly for senior leaders.
Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, highlighted the public’s legitimate expectations of integrity and professionalism within the police service. He underscored that Davies’ actions had fallen short of these standards, leading to his dismissal as a demonstration of the force’s dedication to accountability and public trust. Llywelyn expressed gratitude towards the individuals who came forward to report the misconduct, acknowledging the challenges they faced in speaking out but recognizing their crucial role in upholding the force’s values.
The dismissal of Superintendent Gary Davies sends a clear message about the commitment of Dyfed-Powys Police to uphold the highest standards of conduct within the force. The outcome of the hearing reflects the zero-tolerance approach towards inappropriate behaviour, particularly from those in positions of seniority. The public can rest assured that swift and decisive action was taken in response to the allegations, underlining the firm stance against behaviour that undermines the values of integrity, respect, and professionalism.
In conclusion, the case involving the dismissal of Superintendent Gary Davies serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts within law enforcement agencies to address and rectify misconduct. The public statement issued by Deputy Chief Constable Charles and the Police and Crime Commissioner Llywelyn underscores the commitment to transparency, accountability, and upholding the standards expected of police officers and staff. The courage of those who spoke out against inappropriate behaviour is commended, emphasising the importance of a safe and respectful working environment within the police force.