Police Officers Awarded £23,000 in Sex Discrimination Case
Two male police constables have secured a combined payout of almost £23,000 after an employment tribunal found they were victims of sex discrimination. The officers were removed from their specialist unit and replaced by female colleagues as part of a gender rebalance initiative by Suffolk Constabulary.
Background of the Kestrel South Unit
PC Richard Ford and PC Lee Woodward served as constables within the Kestrel South Unit, based in Ipswich. This highly visible team focused on tackling neighbourhood crime, drug offences, exploitation, and anti-social behaviour. By October 2023, the unit consisted of a sergeant and six PCs, but after a female officer left in late 2022, it became an all-male team.
The tribunal heard that the unit often required female officers from other teams to conduct strip searches on women suspects, a necessity due to high search rates linked to county lines drug operations. Female officers were also considered crucial for building victim confidence and gathering intelligence.
Decision to Rebalance Gender
Superintendent Andrew Martin of South Area Command decided to aim for a 50-50 gender split on the unit. He argued that having female officers would ensure the team operated efficiently and independently. After discussions with HR, two volunteers were sought to leave the unit, but when initial plans fell through, PC Ford and PC Woodward were selected due to their longer tenure.
In March 2024, the officers were informed of their transfer at the end of a shift. Both raised grievances, which were not upheld, leading them to take the case to an employment tribunal in Norwich.
Impact on the Officers
PC Ford described feeling shocked and bewildered by the decision, claiming it left him depressed and distant from his family. PC Woodward, who had passed his Sergeant's exam and occasionally acted up in that role, noted that his new position involved permanent acting-up duties with enhanced pay, but this was not his preference. He highlighted that the fixed hours on the Kestrel team were compatible with his childcare responsibilities.
PC Woodward expressed frustration at what he saw as hypocrisy, stating the police force promotes diversity but failed to follow its own principles. He said the experience left him stressed, angry, and feeling like a number on a spreadsheet.
Tribunal Ruling and Reasoning
Employment Judge Martin Warren acknowledged the force's legitimate aim in seeking gender balance but ruled the decision amounted to direct sex discrimination. He noted that while having women on the team was genuine, it was not an occupational requirement for constables to be female, as duties could be performed by men, and strip searches could be handled in custody suites with available female officers.
Judge Warren stated, 'The need for a woman on the Kestrel South Team was genuine. The difficulty is, it is not a requirement that Constables on the Kestrel South Team should be women, it is that some of them should be women.' He added that gender balance should be addressed through recruitment and positive action, not by transferring officers out based on sex.
Each officer was awarded £11,483 for injury to feelings, and the judge recommended Suffolk Constabulary issue an apology.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the complexities of balancing operational needs with anti-discrimination laws in policing. It underscores the challenges forces face in achieving gender diversity while adhering to legal standards. The ruling may influence how police departments across the UK approach similar rebalancing efforts in the future.
