West Mercia Police officer accused of gross misconduct

A notice has published by the force said the unnamed male officer allegedly breached “authority, respect and courtesy” standards.

Hearing chairman Callum Cowx has imposed reporting restrictions on the case, including granting anonymity to the accused officer, but these could be lifted if the panel finds against him.

The notice said the accused officer will "answer allegations that his conduct amounted to a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour, namely: Authority, Respect and Courtesy”.

The Standards of Professional Behaviour includes a subsection on “authority, respect and courtesy” which asks officers to pledge to “act with self-control and tolerance, treating members of the public and colleagues with respect and courtesy”.

It also requires them to use their powers “lawfully and proportionately, and respect the rights of all individuals”.

The West Mercia Police area includes Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Worcestershire. The notice does not specify which of those areas the accused officer was based in, nor where the breach of standards is alleged to have happened.

The notice continues: “If proved, it is contended that the officer’s actions singularly or in their totality amounted to gross misconduct.

“The chair of the meeting, Mr Cowx, has directed that anonymity and reporting restrictions are to be granted to the police officer, but that this shall be revisited in the event of a finding adverse to the officer.”

The case will be heard between Wednesday, July 7 and Friday, July 16 in Worcester.