Ex-Wiltshire Cop Would’ve Been Sacked Without Notice Over Vetting Lies
Gross Misconduct Verdict Lands on Robert Poile
A gross misconduct hearing at Wiltshire Police HQ on 25 February 2025 has ruled that former police constable Robert Poile would have faced immediate dismissal if he was still on the force. The reason? Serious breaches of honesty and integrity during his police vetting.
Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith chaired the hearing. She found Poile guilty of providing inaccurate information that breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour.
Damning Findings: Two Allegations Upheld
- Poile was found guilty of two counts of misleading information in the vetting process.
- The misconduct was serious enough to justify dismissal without notice had he remained employed by Wiltshire Police.
- He will now be placed on the national barred list, banning him from working for any UK police force ever again.
Police Boss Slams Breach of Trust
Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper made it clear the force won’t tolerate dishonesty from its ranks.
“Our communities rightly expect that only those suitable to work in policing are able to, and that they have been vetted to the highest standards. Our communities also expect and deserve the highest standards of professional behaviour from all our officers and staff. Former PC Poile’s actions in withholding information that would have had a material impact on the outcome of his vetting application fell well short of the standards we expect, and he has been held to account for his actions.”
Appeal Window Open
Under the Police Conduct Regulations 2020, Poile has 10 working days to challenge the hearing’s decision.
Wiltshire Police Vow to Keep Trust Intact
Wiltshire Police reaffirmed their commitment to public trust and rigorous vetting. The force stressed it will continue to crack down on any breaches in integrity to protect the reputation and safety of communities.
This case sends a sharp warning: dishonesty, even by former officers, won’t go unpunished.
