Police: Officer admits misuse of police systems

A Nottinghamshire Police Officer has admitted misusing the force’s computer systems.

Appearing at Derby Crown Court on Monday (1 October) for what would have been the start of his trial, PC Robert Kirk pleaded guilty to accessing records inappropriately.
 
Kirk, who had been based in the intelligence unit at Central Police Station, had been vetted to a high level because of the sensitivity of the information his role gave him access to.

The force’s policy on accessing information or intelligence held on the computer systems for anything other than a policing purpose identifies that criminal or disciplinary proceedings could result.

Kirk, 47, of West Bridgford, had been placed on restricted duties in November 2010 when the force’s Professional Standards Department began its investigation. He had been suspended from the force since April 2011.

Earlier this year, Kirk was charged with one count of misconduct in a public office.

The indictment stated that over a number of years, he had without reasonable justification, repeatedly accessed the Nottinghamshire Police computer systems for a non-policing purpose, namely to conduct searches and view data relating to family members, associates, and persons he was or had been in a relationship with.

Kirk will reappear at Derby Crown Court on 22 October for sentencing. He tendered his resignation from the force today (Tuesday 2 October), which was accepted by the Chief Constable, Chris Eyre.

Had he not resigned he would have faced internal disciplinary proceedings and could have faced dismissal.

Afterwards, the Head of the Professional Standards Department, Detective Superintendent Jackie Alexander, said: “The public places its trust in Nottinghamshire Police to protect information we hold and to use it only in strict accordance with our policy that there must be a genuine policing need for accessing it.

“Robert Kirk repeatedly exploited his position, which gave him access to confidential information not just about the individuals he had become personally involved with, but potentially, many thousands of people.

“This is a question of trust and confidence and is a serious abuse of position. Any officer or staff member who disregards force policy in respect of access to systems needs to understand that they could lose their job through gross misconduct proceedings or, if a criminal offence has been committed, have the case brought before the courts.”