Ex-West Midlands Police detective committed gross misconduct by keeping evidence at his home

 A former West Midlands detective who kept a large amount of evidence at home, including mobile phones relating to child abuse cases, has been found to have committed gross misconduct following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). 

An accelerated misconduct hearing – a disciplinary process used where the evidence is incontrovertible – concluded that ex-Detective Constable (DC) James Cox would have been dismissed if he had not already resigned. He will also be added to the barred list preventing him from future employment with the police.

The hearing yesterday (Monday 28 September) was organised by West Midlands Police and the disciplinary panel found that ex-DC Cox, who resigned from the force this month (16 September), had breached police professional standards relating to honesty and integrity; duties and responsibilities; and for confidentiality.   

The panel was told that evidence was recovered when police visited his home in January 2025, after his supervisor queried the whereabouts of a mobile phone containing evidence in a child abuse case. The former DC was suspended at the time in connection with an IOPC investigation into other misconduct allegations, which has yet to be finalised. IOPC investigators subsequently searched his property and car, when further material was found relating to child abuse and organised crime cases.  

The material at ex-DC Cox’s home included 11 mobile phones seized in connection with investigations; ‘Official Sensitive’ information including briefing packs, intelligence reports, details of suspects; emailed print-outs containing pictures, details of suspects and other documentation; USB devices and discs with data from cases; and his airwaves police radio.

Many of the items had not been recorded or booked into police property stores, some were not appropriately packaged, and nor were they stored securely. Other evidential items were subsequently found in his lockers at Wolverhampton Police Station.

IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said: “Ex-DC Cox admitted he knowingly and wilfully stored exhibits, property and graded intelligence at his home address in contravention of policy.

“A particularly aggravating feature of this case is the gravity of the matters the evidence related to, the potential for those investigations to have been compromised, and the risk posed by it being kept at ex-DC Cox’s home in such an unsecure manner. 

“We also found that there was an element of dishonestly when he told a supervisor that one of the mobiles relating to a child abuse case was at the police station when it was in fact at his property. 

“Clearly such behaviour undermines public trust and confidence and has no place in policing.”

Learning identified from the IOPC investigation has led West Midlands Police being recommended to review its handling of detained property and exhibits at Wolverhampton Police Station to ensure working practices are fit for purpose and align with force policy and guidance.  

The IOPC’s 12-month investigation began following a mandatory conduct referral from West Midlands Police in February 2025.