Police Constable dismissed without notice after gross misconduct hearing
Avon and Somerset Police held a hearing on Friday following a complaint - and the PC has now been placed on the barred list
Avon and Somerset Police say a police constable has been dismissed 'without notice' after claims of them acting with gross misconduct were proven.
PC X was found to have looked up the details of two call logs while off duty in March this year - without having a legitimate reason to.
With one of the call cards - that police constable then was proven to have disclosed some of the contents of the call logs to someone else - without a policing purpose.
This led to a member of the public lodging a complaint with the force, which then set-up an 'accelerated' misconduct hearing with the Professional Standards Department - which took place on Friday (November 4).
PC X has now been placed on the police barred list after being dismissed at the misconduct hearing.
The panel at the PCD ruled allegations relating to breaching professional standards of orders and instructions; duties and responsibilities; confidentiality; and discreditable conduct were all proven to be true.
Chief Inspector Sharon Baker, of the Professional Standards Department, said: “The use of police systems to access information other than for a legitimate policing purpose is completely unacceptable.
“PC X made a serious error of judgement in accessing call cards that did not need to be looked at. The fact PC X shared some of the information with a third party was a clear breach of confidentiality and has caused a great deal of hurt and upset to the victim of that particular case and their family.
“It’s only right PC X has been dismissed and will be placed on the barred list.
“We expect our officers and staff to handle sensitive data carefully and adhere to the proper use of systems at all times, without exception, to ensure the public has trust and confidence in the police.”