Former Dorset Police employee faces misconduct in public office charges

An ex-Dorset Police special constable is facing charges including misconduct in public office (MIPO), following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Charlotte Griffiths, aged 29, will appear before Poole Magistrates Court on Friday (16 August) to face charges of MIPO for allegedly sharing sensitive policing information without authority and unauthorised access to police systems. She is also charged with one offence contrary to Section 1 of the Computer Misuse Act 1990.  

We began an investigation after Dorset Police made a referral in April 2022 about her conduct.

The alleged offences were discovered following an IOPC investigation into another Dorset Police employee, when evidence was obtained relating to the use of inappropriate WhatsApp messages. 

The alleged offences took place between May and September 2020.  

After our investigation concluded in August 2023, we referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service who have authorised the charges.

We have been advised that Charlotte Griffiths resigned from her role with the force in June 2022.