Former Staffordshire Police officer Lewis Edwards has been placed on the College of Policing’s Barred List after a gross misconduct hearing found he showed colleagues inappropriate images on his mobile phone and engaged in unwanted and inappropriate conversations.
The hearing, held on Wednesday, August 5, determined that Edwards breached standards of authority, respect and courtesy, orders and instructions, and discreditable conduct. The force confirmed that he would have been dismissed had he not resigned from his role in April last year.
Edwards, who was a police constable based in the north of the county, resigned before the conclusion of the investigation carried out by Staffordshire Police’s anti-corruption unit. His name will now be added to the national Barred List, preventing him from working in policing or other law enforcement bodies in the future.
Investigation and Hearing Details
The one-day hearing was convened after the force’s anti-corruption unit investigated allegations against Edwards. The panel found that his conduct amounted to gross misconduct, leading to the barring decision.
Deputy Chief Constable Caroline Marsh said: “Although Edwards resigned before the conclusion of these proceedings, the outcome of this hearing makes clear that he would have been dismissed had he remained a serving officer.”
Force Response and Commitment
Marsh emphasised the importance of a respectful workplace, stating: “Every officer and member of staff has the right to work in an environment where they are treated with dignity and respect.” She added that the findings demonstrate Edwards’ conduct was “wholly inappropriate and incompatible with the values of policing.”
She also thanked those who came forward, saying: “Reporting concerns takes courage, and we are committed to ensuring that all allegations of inappropriate behaviour are thoroughly investigated.”
The Barred List is maintained by the College of Policing and is used to prevent individuals from being employed in policing roles across the UK. This action ensures that Edwards cannot return to a law enforcement position in the future.
