Police ‘ambassador’ for women wolf-whistled at passers-by while on patrol

A police ethics champion, who acted as an “ambassador” for women and girls, wolf-whistled at female members of the public and bragged about his sexual prowess to colleagues, a panel has found.

Sgt James Endean, who worked for Thames Valley Police for 22 years, was sacked last month without notice for gross misconduct, following the hearing.

An independent panel heard how Sgt Endean bullied his colleagues and made a string of coarse remarks about his penis and sexual abilities.

It was heard that he would “rate” women’s attractiveness while on patrols and said some were “asking for it”.

Sgt Endean also told his colleagues how women enjoyed sex with him and that his fingers “should be on Britain’s Got Talent”, the hearing was told.

‘white ribbon champion’

This was despite him being made an “ethics champion” in January 2022 and being appointed a white ribbon champion last year to act as an “ambassador” for women and girls.  This is distinct from a White Ribbon Champion who is someone registered with the White Ribbon organisation.

Sgt Endean was moved from Reading to Bracknell and Wokingham, where he worked in a supervisory role, after a string of allegations were made against him last year.

Luke Ponte, representing Sgt Endean, suggested some colleagues “may have all colluded to exaggerate” claims.

But the panel ruled he had abused his position as a sergeant, that his sexual remarks were “unwanted and grossly inappropriate” and that his behaviour caused “reputational harm” to the force.

The panel said: “There is a significant public interest, particularly in recent years, in how male members of the police service behave towards women.

“This is because misogynistic or sexual comments, such as those the panel have found proved, are likely to deter victims of crime from reporting to the police because they lack trust or confidence in the police.”

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this article stated the officer was a White Ribbon Champion but this was in reference to the Thames Valley Police initiative which is distinct from the White Ribbon organisation.  We are happy to clarify.