Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright addressed the matter, stating: “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time,” he added.
What Is Misconduct in Public Office?
Misconduct in public office is considered a serious common law offence. It involves the deliberate abuse or neglect of authority by someone holding a public position.
The offence applies when a public official wilfully acts in a way that breaches public trust or fails to carry out their duties in a manner that seriously undermines that trust.
Simarjor Judge Singh, managing partner at Judge Law, explained: “Misconduct in public office is a serious common law offence which requires prosecutors to show that a public officer deliberately breached their duty in a way that represents a serious abuse of public trust.
“It is not enough for there to have been an error of judgment – the conduct must be wilful and sufficiently serious,” Singh added.