Police Officer Fired for Groping Colleagues While Twerking at Work Party

A female police officer has been dismissed after engaging in inappropriate conduct at a party. PC Pamela Pritchard, 29, was found to have groped two colleagues following a night of heavy drinking at a leaving event in Caernarfon Rugby Club, Gwynedd.

The misconduct hearing revealed that Pritchard twice placed her hand on a male colleague’s groin and later sat on his knee, kissing him. She also grabbed a female colleague’s breasts after “twerking” on the dance floor and attempted to kiss a senior officer.

PC Pritchard joined North Wales Police as a trainee earlier this year. She admitted her drunken behaviour was inappropriate but denied gross misconduct accusations. During the four-day hearing in Colwyn Bay, all allegations were upheld.

One male officer described feeling humiliated when Pritchard touched his genitals outside his clothing. “To no extent was it appropriate,” he said, emphasising the repeated nature of the misconduct. The situation worsened when Pritchard sat on his knee in public and kissed him.

CCTV footage showed Pritchard’s suggestive dance moves, including twerking. A female officer stated that Pritchard unexpectedly wrapped her arms around her neck and squeezed her breasts. Pritchard apologised in court, saying she was “mortified” and did not recognise the person in the video.

She also expressed feelings of panic, nightmares, and concern over how others perceived her. “I feel I’ve let down the police, my family, and myself,” she said, breaking down in tears during testimony.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Allsop chaired the panel that ruled Pritchard’s actions breached standards to a medium-to-high degree of seriousness. This justified her dismissal for gross misconduct. Barrister Fiona Clancy argued that Pritchard showed genuine remorse and had been engaged in volunteer work with a commitment to community service.

However, North Wales Police Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison stated the behaviour “fell far below” expected standards. He acknowledged officers have the right to unwind off duty, but Pritchard’s actions “were simply not acceptable by anyone’s standards.”

Following the verdict, Pritchard’s career with North Wales Police has ended. The dismissal also prevents her from joining any other UK police force. The ruling underscores the force’s commitment to maintaining professional conduct and trust within its ranks.