Neil Wilby Media

A hero traffic officer, PC 1473 Andrew Forth, faces an accelerated misconduct hearing at his force headquarters later this week.

North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable, Lisa Winward, will chair a one day hearing on Thursday 21st December, 2023 and, very likely, deliver a most unwelcome seasonal package to PC Forth: Dismissal from the force.

It is alleged that the officer breached Standards of Professional Behaviour in that:

On or around 7th September 2022, he disclosed confidential, or personal information, which he had obtained whilst working in his capacity as a police officer in the North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau.

In particular, he disclosed information to an individual pertaining to a member of their family. The nature of the information disclosed related to the manner and style of driving in connection with a potential driving offence.

Just over one year later, on 11th September 2023, PC Forth received an adult caution for knowingly or recklessly disclosing the aforementioned personal data contrary to section 170(1) and 196 (2) of the Data Protection Act 2018, having admitted his guilt to that offence.

The force offers no explanation for the delay in disposing of the criminal offence in the manner described or the further delay in convening disciplinary proceedings.

In November, 2021 was nominated as Hero of the Day by Road Safety Support at the end of their Road Safety Week campaign that year.

The citation read:

“It’s #RoadSafetyWeek2021 and we are celebrating the hard work of our colleagues who make it their mission to reduce road deaths and injuries, day in, day out.

Today’s #RoadSafetyHero is:

PC Andrew Forth,

Traffic Bureau Investigations Officer,

From North Yorkshire Police.”

“Andy was nominated by colleague Richard Fletcher for his tireless work in the Bureau for the past eight years.

“He has trained over 50 new enforcement officers in the use of enforcement technology to reduce road deaths and injuries, and on the relevant legislation.

“He has been recognised nationally for his outstanding work in preventing laser jammer use in the county and has helped to secure multiple convictions.

“PC Forth became a laser jammer enforcement specialist after receiving in depth training and support from Road Safety Support on the issue. 

“He has also been proactive in working alongside enforcement officers to carry out dual operations, as well as a new initiative providing additional support to Community Speed Watch groups.

“Richard Fletcher, Acting Traffic Bureau Manager, said: “Andy has a real passion for his role and is constantly working proactively to improve the efficiencies of the department and find new ways and initiatives to support road safety in North Yorkshire.”

“Steve Callaghan, Technical and Calibration Manager at Road Safety Support, said: “I have worked with Andy for the past eight years on the processing of Laser Jamming and Perverting the Course of Justice cases. 

“From the outset, Andy sought training from Road Safety Support so he could carry out the inspection and recovery of vehicles himself rather than rely upon our expertise to do so. 

“He has become competent in the inspection ad removal of the jamming systems and reporting that evidence for our experts to use. 

“He is forward-thinking, highly motivated and passionate about road safety and road traffic enforcement. I have found it a privilege to work with him and he is now a colleage and a friend.”

 

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Page last updated: Tuesday 19th December, 2023 at 0745 hours

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