PC Anthony Martin, a police officer who worked in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, has lost his job after using a police database for personal use. The officer was dismissed without notice on October 30^th after a misconduct panel concluded the accusations against him were proven to be true.

According to the misconduct panel, PC Martin searched the database for “Mr A’s” name on February 11^th 2019 to find out his home address and access his photograph. He then sent a series of messages over WhatsApp to Mr A which is a huge violation GDPR.

A spokesperson for Herts police said: “The public quite rightly expect that police only use their systems and access individual’s private information when undertaking policing duties.

“Exercising police powers comes with great responsibility and accountability and while the majority of officers and staff are hugely responsible, there are still those who disregard the rules and abuse their authority.

“Consistent training and guidance is given about appropriate use of police systems and no officer or member of staff can claim that they are not aware of the requirements around their use. Anthony Martin’s misuse of these systems was deliberate and he has paid the consequences by losing his job.”

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