Senior Police Officer Admits Accessing CCTV to Aid Spouse's Harassment Case
On the fourth and final day of a misconduct hearing held at Lincolnshire Police Headquarters, a senior police officer, Detective Superintendent Richard Myszczyszyn, confirmed he "pushed the boundaries" to acquire CCTV footage for evidence relating to his wife's harassment claim.
Allegations Against Myszczyszyn
Mr Myszczyszyn, who is stationed in Nettleham and lives with his wife and children in Skegness, is facing three allegations of violation of the standards of professional behaviour. These include misleading staff at a SPAR shop in Skegness, while off duty, into sharing CCTV footage on September 30, 2022.
"He seemingly took the matter into his own hands and misused police powers. There was no police or crime report filed. The reality is there was no ongoing investigation, the officer used that to obtain the CCTV evidence footage," said Ian Mullarkey, representing Lincolnshire Police.
The senior officer sought the CCTV footage after his wife contacted him with claims of physical harassment by her former business partner in the shop. However, he did not reveal the individuals' names while addressing the case as a harassment complaint.
Statement by Myszczyszyn's Representative
Gerry Boyle, speaking for Mr Myszczyszyn, stated that the officer engaged with the shop to retrieve the CCTV footage knowing it would later be analysed by others. He underscored that the officer had not misrepresented identity or provided false information.
"He admitted he had pushed the boundaries and knew he should have kept his distance. He said he made a mistake and was trying to help his wife," added Boyle.
Additional Breach Allegations
Mr Myszczyszyn is also alleged to have contravened professional behaviour standards by accessing and viewing personal data of several individuals on police systems in 2021. One case involved assistance over golf clubs from a deceased partner, while the other related to updating a terrified individual, referred to as Witness B, about her ex-partner's bail conditions, contrary to Lincolnshire Police Misuse of Police Systems policy.
"All of the three breaches represent a breach of standards and amount to gross misconduct," Mullarkey commented. Whereas, Boyle argued that "policing sometimes requires pragmatism, common sense and realism."
The outcome of this five-day hearing has been adjourned until 1pm on Friday, September 29 by David Tyme, the legally qualified chair.