A former Hertfordshire police officer allegedly used unreasonable force in St Albans and made inappropriate comments to female colleagues.

Former PC Tom Witherspoon will face a misconduct hearing on July 11, 2023, where a panel will decide whether the allegations amount to a breach of professional standards.

One of the allegations is that, on December 11, 2021, the former officer was on duty in uniform in St Albans and involved in an incident where a man was being detained.

The force which former PC Witherspoon used is thought to have been “unnecessary and unreasonable in the circumstances”.

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It is also alleged that between July 2021 and June 2022, the officer made inappropriate comments to female colleagues in person and on social media, and that on June 30, 2022, PC Witherspoon was off-duty in London when he may have “acted in an inappropriate manner towards a female colleague”.

A further allegation is from March 2019, when it is thought the former constable failed to challenge a video containing bestiality and “extreme pornography” in a work WhatsApp.

A hearings notice reads: “These allegations are a breach of professional standards, namely discreditable conduct, ‘fail to challenge or report improper conduct’, use of force, and authority, respect and courtesy.”

The Standards of Professional Behaviour are taken from the Police Conduct Regulations 2008.

“A misconduct hearing takes place when we believe someone employed by us has breached the standards of professional behaviour,” a Hertfordshire Constabulary webpage reads.

“At the hearing, the facts of the case will be presented and the officer involved will have the opportunity to explain their conduct and the circumstances surrounding the allegation.”

The July 11 hearing is due to take place at the Hertfordshire Constabulary headquarters in Welwyn Garden City.