Misconduct in force

CHESHIRE police has said proven wrongdoings among its ranks will result in ‘swift removal’ or prosecution after the Weekly News revealed that one Runcorn officer was sacked last year in connection with ‘the veracity’ of details provided in an insurance claim.

Chief Inspector Julie Westgate, of Cheshire Constabulary professional standards department, said the force ‘expects the highest standards of conduct and behaviour from its officers and staff’.

Last week the Weekly News reported that one Runcornbased officer was dismissed without notice in 2016, in relation to the ‘veracity of information provided to solicitors dealing with a personal injury claim on behalf of the police officer’.

The officer was among six to be sacked during the year.

The other cases were brought in connection with a domestic assault conviction, a constable being untruthful to his supervisors while off sick, conviction for assault, amending a medical note and shoplifting. Ch Insp Westgate said: “Where wrongdoing is reported or suspected, a thorough and impartial investigation will take place.

“Improper conduct and criminality committed by those who are appointed to protect the public and uphold the law, will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.

“Any officer who conducts themselves in a manner which falls below standards expected by the force, will be subject to a thorough investigation and could face either a criminal prosecution or a misconduct hearing, which ultimately would result in swift removal from the force.”