A former West Midlands Police detective constable with 25 years of service secretly accessed confidential police systems out of 'curiosity', an accelerated misconduct hearing has ruled.
Blatant disregard for data rules
The hearing was told that former Detective Constable Keeling made a series of checks on police systems which she had no right or legitimate policing purpose to access. A report from Chief Constable Craig Guildford stated she showed a "blatant disregard" for the rules and her legal obligations.
The panel found her actions, which took place between November 2021 and February 2024, amounted to gross misconduct. She breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to confidentiality and discreditable conduct.
The three allegations of unlawful access
The hearing examined three specific allegations against the former officer:
First, in November 2021, she conducted a postcode search on a police system, accessing information linked to eight separate addresses.
Second, in December 2024, she carried out a road name check on a confidential system.
Third, in February 2024, she accessed a specific crime report without any legitimate reason to do so.
Chief Constable Guildford's report concluded that, on the balance of probability, she had no lawful or legitimate purpose for accessing any of this confidential information. The report noted she logged some searches under 'crime investigation'.
Consequences and character references
The hearing on November 17, 2025, determined that Keeling would have been dismissed from the force if she had not already retired on November 7, 2025. She unreservedly accepted that her conduct amounted to gross misconduct.
In her defence, Keeling stated she did not seek personal gain and was motivated by curiosity for the first two allegations. For the third, she claimed a desire to further a potential investigation.
The panel heard she had no prior adverse disciplinary findings and was described in character references from colleagues as "popular, diligent, professional and capable". Her record included a public letter of thanks in 2004 and recognition for good attendance in 2008.
Despite this, Chief Constable Guildford stated: "I find that the former officer's repeated unlawful access to confidential police systems for non-policing purposes to be highly discreditable and very serious matters." He added her actions "lacked integrity and respect for data confidentiality".
