Shropshire PCSO is dismissed for gross misconduct

The action has been taken by West Mercia Police after an allegation of discreditable conduct was made against the PCSO relating to taking covert recordings, sharing confidential material and providing a false statement to the police.

A misconduct hearing was conducted by Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman last month, following an investigation by the Professional Standards Department.

Detective Superintendent Gary Watson, Head of Professional Standards for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: "The misconduct hearing found that the behaviour of the Police Community Support Officer fell below the standards we expect from our officers and staff, and amounted to a breach of the standards of professional behaviour.

"This fell outside the expectations made clear in the code of ethics and our joint values, and amounted to gross misconduct, and it is for this reason that the PCSO was dismissed."

The dismissed PCSO had completed eight years service with West Mercia Police. Following the allegation, the officer was immediately suspended from all duties within their Safer Neighbourhood Team in Shropshire while an investigation was launched.

The outcome of the hearing is subject to the force's normal appeals process.