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  1. Media Law
March 11, 2010

Policeman sacked for talking to Eastern Daily Press

By Dominic Ponsford

A former police officer is appealing against being sacked over allegedly passing on information to journalists on a local paper.

It is the latest example of police forces cracking down on information going to journalists via unofficial means.

Last year Milton Keynes journalist Sally Murrer had the charges against her thrown out after she was locked up twice and repeatedly questioned by Thames Valley Police over having off-the-record conversations with a police officer.

The BBC today reports that a police investigation was launched after stories which were critical of the police appeared in the Eastern Daily Press.

These included coverage of the disbanding of the office diving team and the discovery of a box of police files in a car park.

Police visited the EDP offices and interviewed two reporters, who declined to reveal their sources.

The Police Federation, which is representing the policeman concerned, told the BBC: “The officer was dismissed following an internal inquiry and that officer is appealing the decision.

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“He maintains his innocence. It is anticipated that the appeal will be heard by the Police Appeals Tribunal in the summer.”

Norfolk Police told the BBC: “We cannot disclose details of internal disciplinary procedures.

“However, it is a matter of fact that an officer was dismissed on 14 January for a breach of the standards of professional behaviour relating to confidentiality.

“The matter is now the subject of a police appeals tribunal.”

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