Thames Valley PC fired for making inappropriate comments about abuse survivor
He made comments about and photographed the victim in her flat, whilst she was only wearing underwear
A Thames Valley Police officer has been found guilty of misconduct following a hearing that revealed a pattern of inappropriate and sexualised behaviour while on duty.
PC Robert Chambers faced allegations that he breached police standards of professional behaviour, including authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity, and discreditable conduct.
The misconduct hearing, held over two days, reviewed a comprehensive body of evidence including regulatory notices, witness statements, interview records, and character references.
The most serious incident occurred on April 9, 2024, when PC Chambers attended the home of a woman referred to as Ms A.
He had initially responded to a welfare concern and was later involved in investigating a serious assault she had suffered. During the visit, Chambers made inappropriate and sexualised comments and gestures toward Ms A, which the panel found to be a clear violation of professional standards.
In order to access her injuries, the officer asked Ms A to undress to only her vest top and string thong underwear.
It is clear from the body worn footage that PC Chambers twice suggests that Ms A should be photographed, by him, wearing just her underwear.
The hearing also examined other instances of misconduct.
These included comments Chambers made about Ms A immediately after the incident in April, inappropriate remarks made in the summer of 2023 about a group of girls walking past a window at Amersham police station, and disturbing comments about a 13 to 14-year-old girl who had been reported missing.
Additionally, on April 21, 2024, Chambers made inappropriate remarks to a colleague regarding a female officer.
The panel concluded that Chambers’ actions fell significantly below the expected standards of a police officer.
His behaviour was found to be disrespectful, lacking in courtesy, and damaging to public confidence in Thames Valley Police.
As a result of these findings, disciplinary proceedings were initiated to address the misconduct and reinforce the high standards expected of all officers within the force.