Call handlers accused of leaking data to criminals

Two police call handlers have been charged with misconduct in public office over allegations they passed confidential information to criminals, the policing watchdog has said.

Jessica Fitzhugh, 22, and Ellie-Mae Doherty, 21, who both worked in the control room for Derbyshire Police, were charged following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC said the charges related to the suspected access of police systems in 2023 and 2024 and the passing of sensitive information to unauthorised third parties.

Fitzhugh, of Belper, and Doherty, of Ripley, are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Fitzhugh is also accused of taking images of data held on police systems without authority, the IOPC said.

The IOPC added it received conduct referrals from the force in December 2023 and March 2024, prompting an investigation carried out by the force's Counter Corruption Unit under the IOPC's direction and control.

Following the investigation, the IOPC sent evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the charges were authorised on 23 March.

Derbyshire Police has confirmed both workers had been suspended.

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