Detective who went into business with organised criminals has identity protected

A FORMER detective who went into business with organised criminals while he worked for the force has had his identity kept secret after a misconduct tribunal found he would have been sacked if he did not resign.

Allegations of gross misconduct were proven against the former officer who failed to disclose he had business links with a man known to have connections with organised criminals.

The former Avon and Somerset Police detective, known only as Officer W, had already resigned from his post before a misconduct hearing was held virtually in July.

The panel, led by an independent legally qualified chair, decided the officer would have been dismissed if he hadn’t already resigned.

Ch Insp Ed Yaxley, of the Professional Standards Department, said: “This individual had associations with organised criminals through a business he was financially invested in, which he failed to disclose. These associations are absolutely incompatible with his role as a police officer and the panel found multiple allegations of gross misconduct proven.

“All police officers are expected to adhere to the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Professional Behaviour and this officer has clearly failed to meet the high standards expected of him by the force and the public.”

Most officers involved in misconduct proceedings are named, but identities and ranks can be withheld under certain circumstances.

We have asked for the reason why and await a response.