Shropshire Star

22 West Mercia Police officers arrested in last two years

Twenty two West Mercia Police officers have been arrested in the last two years, new figures reveal today.

Published

The figures, which were revealed by a Freedom of Information Request submitted by the Shropshire Star, show of the 22 arrested, 10 were charged and four were convicted.

No further criminal proceedings were pursued in the other cases. So far this year two officers have been arrested – one for criminal damage to property valued under £5,000. He wascharged and found not guilty.

The other officer was arrested for driving over the alcohol level limit. No charges were brought but the officer was given a final written warning.

In 2013 four of the 10 arrested officers were charged and bailed to court. These included two charged with misconduct. One was dismissed, the other case is ongoing.

Another officer was charged with using threatening/abusive/insulting words with intent to cause fear or unlawful violence. That officer was fined £270 and dismissed without notice.

A further officer was charged and bailed to court for assault by beating and rape of a woman aged 16 years or over but was acquitted.

In 2012 an officer was given a 15-month jail term and dismissed without notice after being charged with misconduct.

Further cases that year included three officers charged with assault by beating, two of which had their cases discontinued. One was found not guilty following an appeal. Another officer received a final written warning.

A further officer was charged with driving a vehicle above the alcohol limit who was fined and disqualified from driving for 18 months and resigned.

A separate Freedom of Information request has revealed four Dyfed-Powys Police officers have been arrested since 2012.

One was charged with suspicion of burglary, one released with no further action, one charged on suspicion of criminal damage and one charged with possession of class A controlled drug.

Superintendent Stephen Eccleston, head of professional standards at West Mercia Police, said: "We expect our entire workforce to behave professionally and with the utmost integrity at all times.

"It should be remembered that the vast majority of our officers and staff conduct themselves to the highest standards.

"Where an individual does fail to adhere to the standards of professional behaviour we take the matter very seriously.

"We take a robust position towards any wilful wrongdoing by police officers and staff, and can reassure the public such matters are investigated thoroughly."

"In support of this we are working hard to ensure that our new Code of Ethics underpins everything we do."

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