Starting second afternoon session.
C the panel would like to address the matter raised of lack of specificity.
NC I’m making the point of allegations and evidence should be weighed in part.
C so it’s not being suggested it’s impossible for the officer to have a fair hearing
We will shortly be starting the afternoon session of Day 2 of the following hearing:
DC Fletcher is accused of gross misconduct for comments she is alleged to have made to colleagues while on duty with Northumbria Police.
We begin.
CD the defence bundle all were depending on was submitted by officer in chief.
Submissions. 1. Did the AA approach in good faith? 2. Have they proved a breach? Not a trial against Sean McG. Line managing can be difficult. A pattern of behaviour before anything unusual.
3rd session of the morning begins.
C comments on having received on Tuesday a defence bundle and a character bundle for RF.
Is it acceptable that defence label is used?
Discussion with barristers. (Will review as proceeds)
NC call Rachel Fletcher
Turn to page 49
The second session of day 2 is about to begin. Witness is John Keenan, Force Assessor.
CD please give us an overview of how complaints come to the professional standards department?
JK a range of issues, some are low level.
CD conduct matters?
JK anyone can raise a conduct matter
Range of sources
CD via line manager from an officer?
JK yes officers feel more confident going via line manager
Welcome to Day 2 of our reporting of the Misconduct Hearing for DC Rachel Fletcher.
DC Fletcher is accused of gross misconduct for comments she is alleged to have made to colleagues while on duty with Northumbria Police.
9.30 am start
Exact wording of the allegations as set out in the hearing notice.]
"The alleged conduct (in summary):
1/ Between February and December 2023 and whilst on duty, the officer made comments about or in relation to men in general that were sexist, inappropriate and offensive
(Continued) The alleged conduct (in summary): 2/ In or around January 2024, whilst on duty, the officer made a comment about transgender women in general which was transphobic, inappropriate and/or offensive
Welcome back. This part three of the afternoon of the misconduct hearing for DC Rachel Fletcher.
Previous reporting on our substack and previous session linked below. 15.45 start
CD - So an issue arose in evidence with IO as why Keenan wasn't called. Keenan has never been pur forward as a relevant witness. Who was though was Sean mcguigan. Full amd fair discussion from the chair about that.
CD - witnesses deny they were put under pressure. Witness had fondness for RF. The point is whether these things were said and not about what mcguigan was thinking. I dont accept making a social worker cry is minor for example. In any event instead of just