Bedfordshire Police Officer resigns after making sexual comments to female colleagues and a witness

A former police officer who made "unwanted and persistent" inappropriate comments to young, female colleagues and a member of the public would have been sacked had he not already resigned, a ruling has heard.

Mark Benger made sexual comments to five female colleagues at Bedfordshire Police in person and via social media between March 2021 and July 2022.

A hearing also heard that he sent inappropriate messages via Facebook Messenger to a witness to an investigation in March 2022. 

He resigned in May this year, having joined the force in March 2021.

Mr Benger, who did not attend the two-day online hearing, was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviours for authority, respect and courtesy; confidentiality and discreditable conduct.

The tribunal concluded his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct.

David Tyme, the chairman of the panel, concluded: “(He) was an older and more experienced officer and as result, was perceived to occupy a position of trust relative to the female police officers and abused their trust and respect.”

Deputy chief constable Dan Vajzovic said: “Mark Benger persistently pursued young in-service female colleagues.

"His actions were wholly inappropriate and despite the relatively short time he was in policing he has brought discredit upon the service.

"There is no place in this force, or anywhere in policing, for this kind of behaviour. Everyone should be able to come to work without fearing they will be subjected to harassment.

"We will continue to take robust action against anyone who acts in this way or betrays the trust and confidence that the public should have in policing."

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