Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 16, 2024 3:25 pm GMT
A former police leader, John Apter, has been found guilty of gross misconduct after making an inappropriate remark about the widow of a slain officer. This troubling incident highlights serious concerns about professional conduct within the police force.
Details of the Misconduct Case
John Apter, aged 55, was the former chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales. He faced a disciplinary tribunal in Hampshire following allegations of making a vulgar comment about Lissie Harper, whose husband, PC Andrew Harper, tragically died in 2019 while responding to a bike theft in Berkshire.
PC Harper was a dedicated officer who had been married for only four weeks before his untimely death. Lissie Harper has been an outspoken advocate for police officers since her husband’s murder, creating a strong public presence in support of law enforcement.
The tribunal, chaired by Giles Pengelly, found that Apter’s comments about Lissie Harper constituted gross misconduct. He was cleared of a separate charge concerning inappropriate physical contact with a colleague, where he allegedly touched a woman’s bottom. Pengelly stated, “We find the comment made about Lissie Harper proved and is proved to the level of gross misconduct.”
Impact of the Allegations
The situation escalated following the allegations, which first came to light at the end of 2021. As a result, Apter was suspended from his role at the Hampshire Constabulary and from his position with the Police Federation. His leadership responsibilities were significant, as he represented over 130,000 officers from constables to chief inspectors nationwide.
The Crown Prosecution Service initially conducted a criminal inquiry into Apter’s actions, but ultimately chose to drop the case. This decision raised concerns among some regarding accountability within professional ranks.
Background of PC Andrew Harper’s Case
PC Andrew Harper was killed when he responded to a report of a bike theft in Berkshire. In 2020, three teenagers were convicted and jailed for manslaughter in connection with his death. Andrew’s widow, Lissie, has been widely recognized for her strength and has used her experience to advocate for justice.
Following the tribunal proceedings, many are left questioning the culture within police organizations and how such behavior can emerge at high levels of leadership.
Reactions and Next Steps
The fallout from the tribunal’s decision is likely to prompt discussions about the standards of conduct expected from police leaders. With Apter’s significant role within the Police Federation, his actions raise critical questions about respect and professionalism.
Lissie Harper expressed her feelings about the incident, stating that the comment made by Apter was not just hurtful but incredibly disrespectful given the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death. This sentiment reflects a broader concern regarding attitudes towards victims and their families in law enforcement circles.
- John Apter was suspended after allegations emerged in late 2021.
- Apter did not face criminal charges, which drew criticism.
- PC Andrew Harper died in the line of duty, tragically just weeks after his wedding.
- Three men were convicted for his manslaughter in 2020.
Conclusion
The findings against John Apter serve as a reminder of the obligations police leaders have regarding professional conduct. With actions that can harm the reputation of the police, it is crucial for the police force to reinforce standards that prioritize respect and integrity. Ensuring that tragedies like that of PC Harper are treated with the utmost respect is essential not only for the families involved but for restoring public trust in law enforcement.
To stay updated and join the talks about how police act, check out what’s happening on social media or in your local news.
