Staffordshire Police officer dismissed without notice after searching force IT systems for 'personal benefit'

PC Ryan Dzierzkowski has been dismissed from his role after an investigation the force's Professional Standards Department.

The investigation found Mr Dzierzkowski, a response officer in the north of the county, had searched force IT systems without a "proper policing purpose", a Staffordshire Police spokesperson said.

The searches were said to be of "personal interest" to the former police officer.

The incidents took place while he was both on and off duty in 2023 and 2024. He submitted his resignation notice on January 31. 

A hearing chaired by Chief Constable Chris Noble on February 6 found Mr Dzierzkowski had breached the standards of confidentiality and discreditable conduct which amounted to gross misconduct, the force spokesperson added.

Mr Dzierzkowski will be placed on the national College of Policing’s Barred List, preventing him from working within policing and other law enforcement bodies.

Staffordshire Police Deputy Chief Constable, Jon Roy, said: “Dzierzkowski had a personal interest in the searches he conducted and abused his position as a police officer for his personal benefit. As a police officer he was expected to do the right thing.

“Data protection is an area of significant focus and how we handle the public’s private and confidential information.

“We will continue to take robust action against any officer or member of staff that doesn’t act with the highest standards of integrity.”