Statement on Gross Misconduct Hearing

Matthew White, who resigned from the force ahead of today’s hearing, would have faced immediate dismissal had he still be serving, and he has also been placed on the barred list, meaning he can never work within the police service again.

Matthew misused his position as a Special Constable to mislead a member of the public in order to gain entry into and then search their home address.

Chief Constable Mark Webster said: “Cleveland Police is not an organisation which accepts any officers or members of staff to behave in a way which not only falls short of the standards of professional behaviour, but also compromises the integrity of the force.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is, and how committed we are, to ensuring we have a workforce which operates within the highest levels of integrity and one that is open, transparent, fair and ethical.

“We realise it is important for the public to have confidence in Cleveland Police and by continuing to take robust action like we have today, without hesitation, we believe this will help build trust in the force”.