Police Officer Banned from Law Enforcement after Stalking Ex

A former police officer has been officially prohibited from returning to law enforcement following a finding of professional misconduct related to stalking. Andrew Edwards, 31, of Chippenham, admitted to using police databases to track his ex-partner, her male acquaintances, and her boyfriend during his tenure at Wiltshire Police. Additionally, he visited her residence 31 times.

In September, Edwards received a 20-month suspended prison sentence. A subsequent misconduct hearing concluded that his actions represented a serious breach of professional standards, resulting in a permanent ban from policing. Officials noted that he would have been dismissed immediately had he not resigned during the criminal investigation.

Iain Gibson, chair of the hearing and director of personnel at the force, emphasized the severity of the offense and the importance of maintaining public trust. "Andrew Edwards exploited his position as a police officer to access sensitive information about his ex-partner and her circle," he stated. "He also repeatedly visited her home, both on and off duty, including after his arrest. This behavior is entirely unacceptable and falls far short of the standards expected from law enforcement officers."

Gibson added that stalking is a grave crime with long-lasting effects on victims mental and physical well-being, underscoring the forces commitment to treating such offenses with the utmost seriousness.

Author: Gavin Porter