A Hertfordshire police officer has been dismissed in disgrace after his own body-worn camera exposed him stealing a pair of women's underwear from a property he was searching.
PC James Anslow was attending an address in connection with an investigation when he committed the bizarre and brazen theft. The entire incident was captured on his own equipment, providing undeniable evidence of his actions.
The Deputy Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary, Michelle Dunn, did not mince words, stating: "This officer’s behaviour was appalling and fell well below the standards we and the public expect." She emphasised that the officer's dismissal ensures he will never work in policing again.
The gross misconduct hearing, held at Hertfordshire Constabulary Headquarters, heard how Anslow removed the intimate item and placed it in his pocket. The panel concluded that his actions amounted to a fundamental breach of the public's trust and a clear abuse of his position for a "sexual purpose."
This case highlights the critical role of body-worn video in holding officers accountable, ironically turning the technology designed for transparency and evidence collection against one of its own users. The force has been quick to stress that such behaviour is not representative of its officers.
