In a recent misconduct hearing, retired Police Constable John Apter, who previously led the Police Federation, faced disturbing accusations of sexual misconduct, including making inappropriate comments about Lissie Harper, the widow of fallen officer PC Andrew Harper.

The panel heard allegations of repeated sexually inappropriate behavior directed towards women during his tenure with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

The Accusations

The misconduct panel outlined several incidents involving Apter’s alleged behavior.

Notably, he is accused of making lewd remarks about Lissie Harper while preparing for her attendance at an awards ceremony in 2020.

This included a shocking comment where he reportedly stated, “I’d like to comfort her in my hotel room.”

He also allegedly remarked, “I wouldn’t mind looking after her tonight.”

Such comments were deemed not only unprofessional but also deeply insensitive, especially considering Ms. Harper’s grief following her husband’s tragic death in 2019.

Lissie Harper’s Advocacy

Lissie Harper has become a prominent campaigner since her husband’s death, advocating for stronger legal protections for emergency workers.

Her efforts led to her receiving an MBE last year for her pivotal role in establishing Harper’s Law, which mandates life sentences for those who kill emergency workers in the line of duty.

The misconduct allegations against Apter have sparked outrage, particularly given the context of his comments.

Disturbing Patterns of Behavior

The panel heard further allegations of Apter’s inappropriate conduct, including groping a female colleague and making crude remarks to another woman.

On one occasion, he allegedly touched the bottom of a much younger constable while asking, “Is that ok?”

Additionally, he is reported to have told a pregnant colleague, “Maybe you’ll get a bum now,” demonstrating a troubling pattern of derogatory and sexist comments.

Colleagues’ Reactions

Testimonies from Apter’s colleagues shed light on the widespread shock and disappointment surrounding his behavior.

Jamie Simpson, a fellow officer, expressed frustration over Apter’s dual demeanor—being respectful in front of Lissie Harper while making callous remarks behind her back.

The misconduct hearing revealed that others shared similar sentiments, highlighting a culture of sexism within the organization.

More Inappropriate Incidents

The misconduct proceedings detailed additional allegations, including an incident where Apter reportedly groped a junior officer during a night out in December 2021.

Witnesses claimed that Apter behaved inappropriately towards the officer, attempting to get her intoxicated and continuously making her feel uncomfortable.

At one point, he allegedly touched her hips and bottom while whispering suggestive comments, further emphasizing the severity of the allegations.

A Call for Accountability

The accusations against Apter come amid concerns about a culture of misogyny within the Police Federation.

Jamie Simpson raised issues about the hypocrisy within the organization, where leaders publicly condemn sexism while privately exhibiting similar behavior.

These troubling revelations have led to Apter’s suspension from his role as national chairman, a position he held since 2018.

As the misconduct hearing continues, the implications of these allegations resonate far beyond Apter himself, calling into question the culture and accountability within law enforcement organizations.

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