South Wales police officer dismissed after allegations of misconduct

A misconduct hearing at County Hall in Cardiff considered allegations relating to the conduct of PC Christopher Leach, who was based in the force’s Eastern division.

The officer faced nine allegations of breaching the professional standards of honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, confidentiality and discreditable conduct. These allegations included inappropriate behaviour whilst on duty.

The officer – who had been suspended pending the outcome of the hearing – appeared before an independent panel, consisting of a legally qualified chair, a police Superintendent and an independent member.

Evidence was presented that the officer filmed himself engaging in lewd behaviour while on duty and on police premises and that he misled his supervisor and officers investigating his behaviour.

The panel found five of the nine allegations proven and that the officer’s actions amounted to gross misconduct.
He was dismissed from the force without notice.

Superintendent Mark Lenihan of the South Wales Police professional standards department said: “South Wales Police employs almost 5,000 police officers and members of staff. The overwhelming majority of our employees work tirelessly to serve their communities with honesty and integrity demonstrating the very highest levels of professional conduct at all times. PC Leach’s behaviour fell well below these standards and this case has demonstrated that we take complaints and information relating to individual conduct extremely seriously and will always ensure they are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken. There is no place for anyone in the service who cannot secure the confidence of their colleagues or undermines the public’s trust in policing.”

A referral will now be made to the College of Policing for the officer to be added to the Barring List, preventing him from returning to the profession.