By Lucy Caulkett-
A former Essex Police officer has been issued a four-figure fine for unlawfully accessing personal information about two teenage girls., in another blow to the reputation of the police force. Tristan Adams, 40, of Manor Drive in Wales, appeared at Basildon Crown Court to face allegations of carrying out unauthorized searches on police systems.
Adams, a former Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), was accused of accessing data related to members of a police cadets unit in Southend-on-Sea, where he served as a voluntary cadet leader. The court revealed that he accessed this information without a legitimate policing purpose, with Recorder Harrington highlighting the severity of the breach.
The court heard that Adams had access to a “significant amount” of information, specifically about 17-year-old girls. His claim that the data was gathered for a future leadership application, which had not even taken place, raised serious concerns about the misuse of sensitive information.
Recorder Harrington condemned Adams, stating: “You gained information about 17-year-old girls. After being investigated, you told officers you had been getting information about a future leadership application which had not taken place.
Un”It’s obvious that both girls were upset about their personal information being looked at.” The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) initiated an investigation following a conduct referral from Essex Police in December 2019. The IOPC’s investigation concluded in February 2021 after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorized charges.
Adams, who wore a grey suit and maroon shirt during the hearing, was issued a fine totaling around £2,000. The breakdown included £1,000 for the offenses, £1,000 in prosecution costs, and a £100 statutory surcharge. Furthermore, Adams has been dismissed from his role with Essex Police and barred from any involvement with the cadets.
This incident adds to the growing list of cases involving police officers facing serious allegations and casts a shadow on the integrity of the law enforcement community. With public trust in the police already at a critical juncture, authorities are under increasing pressure to address such misconduct and restore confidence in the justice system.