Serving West Midlands Police constable and former officer charged with misconduct in public office

A serving West Midlands Police constable and a former officer who left the force in 2016 have both been charged with misconduct in public office. This follows two investigations by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The charge against PC Anthony Ritchie, aged 43, alleges that between 4 June 2014 and 29 March 2018 he formed an inappropriate relationship with a woman who he met during the course of his duties.

It is alleged that former PC Steven Walters, aged 52, engaged in sexual activity with a woman during the course of his duties as a serving officer on 1 October 2013.

We began our enquiries after separate referrals from West Midlands Police in April and May 2018. Following completion of our investigations in February and July 2019, files were submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider charges, with the full file of evidence provided in June 2020.

The charges were authorised by the CPS this month and both men will make a first appearance before Birmingham Magistrates Court at 11am on Friday 23 April.