Police officer who shared photos of murder scene faces hearing
Evidence will be given against PC Knowles over the four-day hearing
A police officer is facing a misconduct hearing by West Midlands Police after taking pictures of a murder scene and sharing them.
PC Paul Knowles is alleged to have used his personal phone to share evidence in relation to a murder case that other officers were working on, potentially jeopardising the case and identifying the main suspect.
Once he had shared the evidence his co-workers, PC Knowles allegedly tried to hide the fact he knew the information, telling other officers to delete his messages.
After being reported, the police officer reportedly did not reference telling his co-workers to delete the messages in his written statement.
Due to the police officer's actions, PC Knowles is accused of breaking several codes of practice in the force, including the Standards of Professional Behaviour.
As part of the hearing, officers will determine if the man breached confidentiality standards, as well as being guilty of discreditable behaviour and dishonesty.
The four-day hearing will finish on Thursday (January 27th), where a decision on whether PC Knowles acted with misconduct will be published.