North Yorkshire Police have dropped misconduct charges against nine newly qualified officers.
They were served with misconduct notices following alleged breaches of dress and appearance policy during their graduation, attended by Chief Constable Tim Forber.
The North Yorkshire Police Federation represented their officers in an attempt to overturn what it called a ‘disproportionate’ and ‘distressing’ decision.
The officers took part in the North Yorkshire Police ceremony at the York Barbican on 26 September. But a force spokesperson said they “failed to follow the dress code” despite being warned about their appearance on the day.
Social media posts claimed the officers were pulled up for wearing make-up, nail varnish, non-issue trousers and hair which was loose rather than tied back.
North Yorkshire Police did not provide more details about the breaches but said they were referred to the Professional Standards Department.
Now though, the officers will not face further action.
A spokesperson for the North Yorkshire Police Federation said: “While we fully support the importance of maintaining high professional standards across policing, we felt that the action taken was disproportionate given the circumstances and should have been handled differently.
“Conduct regulations are designed to promote a culture of learning and reflection, not to punish officers for what we believe were minor uniform matters.
“Sadly, this incident cast a shadow over what should have been a positive and memorable occasion for the officers involved and had a wider impact on the force.
“Throughout this difficult and distressing period, North Yorkshire Police Federation has stood firmly beside these officers and their families.”
The federation “the thoughtful tone of those discussions, in particular, Mr Forber acknowledging that, with hindsight, a different ‘reflective’ path may have been taken. And, ultimately, we are pleased with the outcome that the officers will not face a misconduct process.”
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We have no further comment.”
