Statement from Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, on PC Perry-Smith case

Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley, Matthew Barber said: “I welcome the outcome in this shocking and deplorable case. No police officer should abuse the privilege that their role bestows upon them. 

“Misconduct in a public office and computer misuse such as this are completely unacceptable and I am pleased that former PC Perry-Smith has at least owned up to his actions. 

“I am pleased that Thames Valley Police took swift action in this case and I fully back the IOPC’s investigation which also shows that this behaviour will not be tolerated. I continue to encourage our staff and members of the public to call out misbehaviour of this nature so that we can stamp it out. Perry-Smith resigned from his post on 8thFebruary however Thames Valley Police has conducted their own internal misconduct hearing last month, the outcome of which would have been dismissal from the Force. 

“The vast majority of our police officers and staff go about their jobs with the highest integrity and professionalism. There is no place for people like this in Thames Valley Police and I am determined that we set the culture from the top of the organisation that this behaviour is unacceptable and the Force will be proactive in rooting out those who seek to abuse their position.”