Banbury Police Officer dismissed following misconduct hearing

PC Matthew Oaten, who was based at Banbury police station was today (12/7) dismissed without notice at a special case hearing before Chief Constable Francis Habgood.

Between February and May 2015, PC Oaten accessed police logs for which there was no legitimate policing purpose for which for him to do so. In addition PC Oaten sent sensitive police information via email to someone who did not work for Thames Valley Police. These breaches occurred on 10 February 2013 and 2 August 2013 respectively.

PC Oaten was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour as set out in Regulation 3 and the Schedule to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012 in respect of ‘Discreditable Conduct’ and ‘Confidentially’.

Detective Cheif Inspector Matt Stone of Thames Valley Police Professional Standards Department said: “Our staff are expected to manage information in accordance with legislation and our policies, and adherence to these are vital to maintain public confidence and trust.

“PC Oaten betrayed that trust by accessing data for a non-policing purpose on a number of occasions. Following an investigation by the Professional Standards Department, these breaches were so severe that the CPS brought criminal proceedings leading to his conviction at Winchester Crown Court and subsequent dismissal from Thames Valley Police.

“The overwhelming majority of our staff recognise the legal and ethical expectations of managing information we are entrusted with and I hope that today’s outcome reinforces the seriousness in which we view this responsibility.”

On the 13 June 2016 PC Oaten was sentenced at Winchester Crown court after he admitted three counts of computer misuse and two counts of breaching the Data Protection Act.

Oaten was sentenced to 150 hours community service and £1000 costs at Winchester Crown Court.