Officer would have been dismissed without notice had she not resigned

An accelerated misconduct hearing has found that a former officer would have been dismissed without notice if she had not resigned.

Former PC, Claire Reeves, who was a response officer in Cannock, resigned on 15 August 2024 following an investigation by our Professional Standards Department.

Reeves had been off sick since April 2023 due to a medical condition which she claimed had a serious impact on her mobility. She said she was unable to perform any operational duties and could only sit for short periods. In May 2024, she said her condition was so bad that she struggled to do the most daily tasks. She was seeking medical retirement from the force.

Concerns were raised about her claims after she was seen in a supermarket, and on holiday abroad in July 2024. CCTV footage from Birmingham International Airport shows Reeves lifting suitcases onto the baggage carousel, bending down, walking freely without aids and standing for long periods.

The Chief Constable found that her conduct amounted to gross misconduct.

The one-day hearing, conducted by Chief Constable Chris Noble and held on Thursday 27 March, found Reeves had breached the standard relating to honesty and integrity.

Reeves will be placed on the national College of Policing’s Barred List, preventing her from working within policing and other law enforcement bodies.

Deputy Chief Constable Becky Riggs said: “This was a planned and methodical approach to deceive by Reeves for financial gain, which included various and repeated denials to various individuals.

“We will continue to take robust action against any officer or member of staff who doesn’t act with the highest standards of integrity.”