Former officer who failed to arrest suspected burglar would have been dismissed
A former police constable who failed to arrest a suspected burglar, made false entries on force IT systems and lied to a victim about the recovery of his stolen property would have been dismissed without notice if he had not retired.
An accelerated misconduct hearing found Alan Rossi, who worked as a response officer at Staffordshire Police, had breached police standards of honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct and duties and responsibilities.
The hearing heard that in November 2022, Rossi, who was based at Longton, made three false entries on force IT systems and lied to a victim about the circumstances of the recovery of his stolen property.
Also in November 2022, Rossi failed to arrest a suspected burglar and arrange for her interview, failed to complete stop/search documents and failed to log body-worn video footage as evidence.
The hearing was chaired by Chief Constable Chris Noble and Rossi’s actions were determined as gross misconduct.
Deputy Chief Constable Emma Barnett said: “These incidents were highly concerning and indicate behaviours and attitudes which are not in keeping with the values of the force and the high standards of an officer who’s pledged to serve and protect the public.
“Rossi had an opportunity to intervene in a potential crime series, apprehend an offender and prevent further harm and distress to other members of the public. He failed to do so.”
Rossi, who retired from the force last month, will now be placed on the national College of Policing’s Barred List.