A special constable who ignored a lawful order not to act in his capacity as a special constable and showed his police warrant wallet without having a proper policing purpose has been dismissed from Dorset Police after allegations of gross misconduct were found against him.
Following a public misconduct hearing at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith, which concluded on Monday, 3 February 2025, the panel found that Special Constable Barrie Leigh-Anderson had breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to Honesty and Integrity, Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Orders and Instructions and Discreditable Conduct. The panel stated that the matter was so serious that the only outcome was dismissal without notice.
On Thursday, 7 September 2023, SC Leigh-Anderson was given a lawful order not to act in his capacity as a special constable.
On Friday, 8 September 2023, SC Leigh-Anderson entered Tesco Express in Kinson, Bournemouth, off duty, and asked to see the manager. He told staff working in the store that he was there on police business, which he knew was not true and dishonest. He showed his warrant card wallet to the staff to reinforce his assertion that he was there on police business.
SC Leigh-Anderson then demanded the store manager’s telephone number regarding a private matter. Staff members stated they felt intimidated and threatened to the point that they believed that they had no choice but to provide the number and feared that if they did not comply, they could be arrested.
Following an investigation, SC Leigh-Anderson was suspended. He resigned in January 2025.
Following the outcome of the hearing, SC Leigh-Anderson will be added to the police barred list, which prevents him from holding any further role within policing.
Special Constables are unpaid volunteers who work closely with regular officers to help police their communities. They have the same powers and wear the same uniform as a regular police officer.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said, “Whether on or off duty, our regular officers and special constables are expected to uphold high standards at all times.
“I was disappointed to learn that despite a very clear order issued by senior officers, Special Constable Leigh-Anderson chose to ignore them and attempted to gain information from members of the public using his warrant card wallet and position of trust.
“His actions on that day and in the subsequent weeks fell below the standards expected of anyone working within Dorset Police and the outcome delivered by the panel reflects the seriousness of this.
“Tackling unethical or unacceptable behaviour remains a Force priority, and I would encourage members of the public to report them to us so they can be thoroughly investigated.”
There are a number of ways the public can report matters. You can provide information you have about a serving police officer, staff member, or volunteer in the UK to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, which is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 085 0000 or via the Crimestoppers’ website. If you would prefer to report matters directly to the Force, you can call 101, visit the Force website, or email [email protected]. Corruption can also be reported online at www.dorset.police.uk/contact/report-police-corruption/.
