Norfolk special officer unlawfully accessed child's records

George Trudgill, who served with Norfolk Constabulary, accessed a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) log on May 26, 2022, without a policing purpose. The log related to a missing person report involving a juvenile who was considered vulnerable. Norfolk Constabulary has applied to have him barred from policing. File photo (Image: Newsquest) An accelerated misconduct hearing, held on August 14, at the force's Operations and Communications Centre in Wymondham, found that Mr Trudgill had breached the standards of confidentiality and discreditable conduct. The hearing was chaired by Assistant Chief Officer Nicholas Davison. "There is no legitimate policing purpose identified," ACO Davison said. "In accessing the computer system for a non-policing purpose, as the chair found proven, the former special constable was not abiding by the data protection principles." The hearing found that Mr Trudgill personally knew the juvenile involved and had accessed the CAD log intentionally and without authorisation. The log contained both personal and sensitive data. "By accessing sensitive police systems for a non-policing purpose, the former special constable has not maintained the highest standards of behaviour, and he has acted in a way to damage the relationship of trust and confidence between the police and the public," ACO Davison continued. The hearing concluded that Mr Trudgill's actions amounted to gross misconduct. File photo of police officers (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) ACO Davison added: "Had former Special Constable George Trudgill been a serving special constable he would have been dismissed." He directed to apply to have him placed on the police barred list. Mr Trudgill had resigned prior to the hearing and did not attend or respond to the proceedings. The hearing was held in part privately due to sensitive information and reporting restrictions remain in place regarding certain details of the case. Mr Trudgill has the right to appeal the decision.