A former Wiltshire Police officer who used force systems to stalk his ex-partner has been officially barred from policing.
An accelerated misconduct hearing held on Tuesday (3rd December) found that former PC Andrew Edwards, previously based with the Chippenham response team, would have been dismissed without notice had he not already resigned during the criminal investigation.
Edwards, who pleaded guilty in September to stalking and misconduct in public office, repeatedly accessed confidential police databases to look up information about his former partner and her friends. The hearing was told he also visited her home more than 30 times, both on and off duty, often under false pretences, and asked colleagues to check her social media accounts after she blocked him.
He went on to breach bail conditions imposed after his arrest, which prohibited him from contacting her.
Director of People Iain Gibson, who chaired the misconduct hearing at the Military Courts in Bulford, said Edwards had “repeatedly abused his power as a police officer”.
“There can be absolutely no justification for this,” he said. “Stalking is a very serious offence with a potentially lasting impact on the victim’s physical and mental health. His behaviour falls far below the high standards we demand from our officers and staff.”
Gibson also praised Edwards’ colleagues for raising concerns when they recognised the seriousness of his behaviour, adding: “This cannot have been easy but it was completely the right thing to do.”
The hearing concluded that Edwards had breached standards relating to honesty and integrity, respect, confidentiality and discreditable conduct. He will now be placed on the national barred list, preventing him from working in policing again.
Under Police Conduct Regulations 2020, he has 10 working days to appeal the decision.
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