Officers charged with offences 128/2025

FOI Reference: 128/2025

1. What is the force’s policy on naming police officers charged with criminal offences?
   
   
2. If no local or national policy exists, what is the force’s official position on naming officers in such cases?
   
   
3. Additionally, please provide copies of all press releases issued in 2024 concerning police officers charged with criminal offences.
   
   
4. Finally, please provide the number of police officers and special constables charged or summoned to court between 1st January 2024 and 31st December 2024.

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below:-

Response Q1 & Q2

We follow the national guidance from the College of Policing.

Response Q3

Please find below the press releases issued and can be seen on the DPP website:-

28.11.2024

https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/news/dyfed-powys/news/2024/november-2024/court-result---trial-involving-dyfed-powys-police-officer/

A Dyfed-Powys Police officer has today been found not guilty of sexual assault by penetration following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

DC Sam Garside, based in the Ceredigion division, has been suspended from duties since July 2023 when it was reported that he had committed an offence while off duty in December 2021.

He denied the offence, and a trial has been held this week. A jury has today returned a not guilty verdict.

DCC Ifan Charles said: “This was a serious allegation made against an individual whose job was to safeguard the people of Dyfed-Powys, and as such swift action was taken when the report was made.

“DC Garside was immediately suspended from duties while a full and thorough investigation was carried out, and today’s verdict brings the criminal justice process to a close.

“It should be noted that the force will now consider whether any formal action needs to be taken from a police officer misconduct perspective in accordance with the statutory framework. 

"While the outcome of the criminal proceedings will clearly be of direct relevance to this assessment, it is important to point out this is an entirely separate consideration. 

"DC Garside will remain suspended from duty whilst this assessment is undertaken and any potential return to work will be dependent on the outcome of that assessment”

07.02.2024

https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/news/dyfed-powys/news/2024/february-2024/police-officer-charged-with-sexual-assault-by-penetration/

A Dyfed-Powys Police officer has been charged with sexual assault by penetration.

DC Sam Garside, based in the Ceredigion division, has been suspended from duties since July 2023 when it was reported that he had committed an offence while off duty in December 2021.

The 30-year-old will appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on 6^th March 2024.

Senior investigating officer Huw Davies said: “This is a serious allegation, and I recognise it will cause concern among our communities.

“I would like to give an assurance that swift action was taken when the allegation was made, and we now await the result of the criminal justice process.

“Legal proceedings are now underway, and it is important to avoid further commentary while this process takes place.”

Response Q4

1 Police Officer

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 24/02/2025)