BTP officer dismissed for ‘grossly inappropriate’ behaviour to rail staff

Police Constable Ben Smedley was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour when he showed images to a female member of rail staff while on duty at Birmingham Moor Street Station in August 2017.

The woman said PC Smedley’s actions made her feel uncomfortable, and British Transport Police ordered a misconduct hearing at Toft Green in York.

The panel found he had committed gross misconduct and broke standards of discreditable conduct and authority, respect and courtesy.

PC Smedley was dismissed without notice.

Head of professional standards, Superintendent Gill Murray said: “PC Smedley acted in a grossly inappropriate manner towards a member of rail staff, a key community we work hard to protect from harm, it is right that the panel dismissed him from the force without notice.

“His actions are not representative of the vast majority of hard working and responsible officers up and down the nation who work hard to keep the travelling public safe.”