West Midlands Police Officer Dismissed for Gross Misconduct
A Staffordshire Police officer has been permanently barred from working in law enforcement after a gross misconduct hearing concluded his actions were unacceptable. PC David Henzell was dismissed without notice following a thorough investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit.
Serious Breaches of Professional Standards
The four-day hearing, which concluded on March 5, 2026, found that PC Henzell had committed multiple violations of police standards. The officer was found to have sexually harassed one colleague while making inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to another. Additionally, he was discovered sleeping while on duty, further compounding his misconduct.
The hearing determined that PC Henzell's behavior constituted gross misconduct, specifically breaching standards of:
- Authority
- Respect and courtesy
- Duties and responsibilities
Permanent Bar from Policing
As a result of the hearing's findings, PC Henzell has been placed on the College of Policing's Barred List. This action prevents him from ever working in policing or any other law enforcement capacity again, ensuring he cannot repeat such behavior within the profession.
Police Leadership Responds
Deputy Chief Constable Caroline Marsh emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating: "PC Henzell's behaviour was unacceptable and a breach of the standards that the public rightly expect from a police officer. We are committed to rooting out officers who behave in this way."
She highlighted the force's proactive measures, including "Know the Line" training that focuses specifically on preventing sexual harassment, abuse of position for sexual purposes, and maintaining professional boundaries.
"Our reporting mechanisms are working," Marsh added, "and I would like to thank the victims for coming forward."
The case demonstrates Staffordshire Police's commitment to addressing misconduct within its ranks and maintaining public trust through transparent disciplinary processes.
