Misconduct hearing for former PCSO.

A former Warwickshire Police PCSO would have been dismissed for the misuse of police systems and lying about the use of his work laptop while he was on sick leave. This was the finding of a disciplinary hearing today.

The former PCSO accessed the laptop without permission while on sick leave in 2022. When his supervisor spoke to him about this, he falsely claimed he had not used it.

He also accessed police systems and obtained confidential information which he then shared with a third party who should not have had access to the information.

The former PCSO was found to have breached five standards of professional behaviour under the Code of Ethics, specifically around honesty and integrity; orders and instructions; confidentiality; work and responsibilities; and discreditable conduct.

Detective Superintendent Paul Thompson, head of the force’s Professional Standards Department (PSD), said: “As police officers and staff we are expected to always act with integrity. To disobey a direct order is one thing, but to lie about it shows a complete lack of integrity.

“Police officers and staff have access to a lot of sensitive information and data. They are all fully aware this should only be accessed and shared if they have a specific policing purpose to do so. We regularly audit systems to check they are being access appropriately, and where they are not, we will take action.

“In so many ways, this PCSO has failed to live up to the standards of professional behaviour the public expect from their police force. Hopefully, our communities can be reassured by the investigation and the action taken.”

The former PCSO had previously resigned from the force but had he not the disciplinary hearing found he would have been dismissed. He has also been placed on the College of Policing barred list preventing him from working for the police in the future.

The hearing was held to (Friday 14 June) and was chaired by Superintendent Steve Beard.

The outcome is subject to an appeals process.

There are multiple paths of reporting if you have reason to believe a member of Warwickshire Police is guilty of misconduct in their position.

• Make a complaint online at police.uk/fo/feedback/complaints/complaints/
• Contact the CrimeStoppers anonymous anti-corruption and abuse reporting service on 0800 085 0000 or online at co.uk/
• If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
• You can also report crime online at police.uk/reportor by phone on 101.