Gross Misconduct Hearing statement

Today, Wednesday 18 September 2024, Chief Constable Mark Webster chaired a Gross Misconduct Hearing where it was decided former officer Tracy Smurthwaite (formerly Houldey) would have been dismissed with immediate effect, had she still been serving as an officer. The sanction ensures she will be unable to gain any future employment with the Police service again.

Detective Chief Inspector John Bonner, Head of the Counter Corruption Unit at Cleveland Police, said:

“On October 29th, 2021, former Officer, Tracy Smurthwaite (formerly Houldey), was the temporary Police Inspector undertaking the role of Force Incident Manager (FIM) in the control room.

“Cleveland Police was investigating concerns for the welfare of a member of the public, who was missing from home. Ms Smurthwaite had a personal connection to this person.

“The member of the public was located and safeguarded by Officers shortly after the reported concerns.

“Despite being safeguarded, Ms Smurthwaite directed junior staff to conduct searches on the ANPR system, enabling her to obtain information on the movements of the person during that evening.

“Colleagues were aware that checks of this nature were not for a lawful policing purpose and reported the concerns.

“Ms Smurthwaite was subject of a criminal and Gross Misconduct investigation by the Force’s Counter Corruption Unit. During the investigation the officer’s temporary promotion was removed, she was placed on restricted duties, removing her from operational duties and had no access to operational police systems.

“In July 2024, Ms Smurthwaite was found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court of breaching the Data Protection Act £700 fine, £500 prosecution costs, victim surcharge £70.

“Following conviction, the officers vetting was suspended and subsequently Ms Smurthwaite resigned from Cleveland Police prior to today’s hearing.

“This case demonstrates that our officers and staff will challenge and report poor performance and misconduct, and that Cleveland Police work continuously to ensure anyone found falling short of the acceptable standards of behaviour face necessary sanction.

“The force’s Counter Corruption Unit is determined the force maintains a robust and proactive professional standards approach, which rightly demands the highest integrity amongst its officers and staff.”