Former police officer lied about personal finances

Richard Davis was found to have repeatedly been dishonest about his personal finances

A gross misconduct hearing has found that a former West Mercia Police officer would have been dismissed had he not already resigned.

The hearing, which concluded on Thursday, found that Herefordshire-based PC Richard Davis, 53, breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour as set out in the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020.

An investigation found that between December 2019 and January 2022 Davis had repeatedly been dishonest with the force by knowingly providing false, misleading, or inaccurate verbal and written statements regarding his financial situation.

It was decided Davis’s actions had breached the standards of honesty and integrity, orders and instructions, and discreditable conduct.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Richard Cooper said police officers had a duty to disclose details of any financial difficulties to the force, both during initial vetting and throughout their careers.

He explained that this was essential to protect them from becoming vulnerable to blackmail or corruption.

"Richard Davis not only failed to follow the correct procedures, despite extensive support from the force, but actively and knowingly provided false information," said Mr Cooper.

"This is not acceptable."

He added the force provided support for its officers who were open and honest about any financial difficulties they may be experiencing.

Davis will now be added to the College of Policing’s Barred List, banning him from working for a UK police service in the future.

The outcome of the hearing is subject to the normal appeals process.