Dorset Special Constable dismissed for gross misconduct
Barrie Leigh-Anderson has also been barred from policing in future
A Dorset Special Constable's been dismissed from the force after a panel upheld allegations against him of gross misconduct.
Barrie Leigh-Anderson ignored a lawful order not to act in his capacity as a special.
He also showed his warrant card without having a proper policing purpose, while off duty.
That came as he asked to see a manager at Tesco Express in Kinson, Bournemouth, telling staff he was there on police business, which he knew was not true and dishonest.
He demanded the store manager’s telephone number regarding a private matter, with employees stating they felt intimidated and threatened.
Leigh-Anderson was initially suspended and resigned from the force in January 2025.
He's been found to have breached professional standards relating to honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy - and has been added to the policing barred list.
Special Constables are unpaid volunteers who work alongside regular officers, with the same powers.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “Whether on or off duty our regular officers and special constables are expected to uphold high standards at all times.
“I was disappointed to learn that despite a very clear order issued by senior officers, Special Constable Leigh-Anderson chose to ignore them and attempted to gain information from members of the public using his warrant card wallet and position of trust.
“His actions on that day and in the subsequent weeks fell below the standards expected of anyone working within Dorset Police and the outcome delivered by the panel reflects the seriousness of this.
“Tackling unethical or unacceptable behaviour remains a Force priority and I would encourage members of the public to report them to us so they can be thoroughly investigated.”
You can provide information about a serving police officer, staff member or volunteer in the UK to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, by calling 0800 085 0000.
If you would prefer to report matters directly to the Force, you can call 101, or email countercorruptionunit.dorset@dorset.pnn.police.uk
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