Calderdale police officer avoids prison after 'improper use of computers'

A former Calderdale police officer has narrowly avoided prison after he admitted unauthorised use of police computer systems.

Armaan Ahmed, 25, was handed a sentence of 16 months suspended for 18 months at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday after he admitted computer misuse and corrupt or other improper exercise of police powers and privileges.

West Yorkshire Police said the offences took place between May 1, 2021, and August 31, 2021, and came to light as a result of enquiries by the Professional Standards Directorate after concerns were reported by one of Ahmed’s colleagues.

READ MORE: PC 'had sex with suspect he had been investigating' claims West Yorkshire Police

READ MORE: Hebden Bridge murder accused admits manslaughter of half brother

Ahmed was a police constable in Calderdale district at the time of his arrest on 22 June 2022. He resigned from the organisation on 24 June 2022 but remains subject to a separate misconduct investigation. West Yorkshire Police says there is "a view to him being banned from working in any further role in policing".

Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said: “It is made clear to every employee on joining West Yorkshire Police that information held on police systems should only be accessed for a legitimate policing purpose.

“This former officer has not only conducted unauthorised searches but has also shared information from these searches with others. Members of the public should quite rightly expect that any sensitive or confidential information about them that is recorded on police computer systems is protected.

“We take any suggestion of the unauthorised access of data extremely seriously and I hope the public are reassured by the action taken in this case.”