Officer sacked for improper use of police systems

A police officer has been sacked for searching a force's IT systems for personal interest.

Ryan Dzierzkowski, a response officer in north Staffordshire, accessed the computers a number of times whilst on and off duty in 2023 and 2024.

A misconduct hearing, chaired by Staffordshire Chief Constable Chris Noble, found he had breached the standards of confidentiality and discreditable conduct, amounting to gross misconduct.

Dzierzkowski has been placed on the national College of Policing's Barred List, preventing him from working within policing and other law enforcement bodies.

"Dzierzkowski had a personal interest in the searches he conducted and abused his position as a police officer for his personal benefit," Deputy Chief Constable Jon Roy said.

"As a police officer he was expected to do the right thing.

"Data protection is an area of significant focus and how we handle the public's private and confidential information.

"We will continue to take robust action against any officer or member of staff that doesn't act with the highest standards of integrity."

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