Former West Yorkshire Police officer found guilty of misconduct in public office

A former West Yorkshire Police (WYP) officer who abused his position for a sexual purpose has been found guilty of misconduct in public office following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court, which concluded today, 22 August.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct’s (IOPC) Anti-Corruption Unit directed an investigation, carried out by WYP’s Counter Corruption Unit, into the actions of former DC Wasim Bashir, 55, after a woman came forward to report his behaviour.

Evidence gathered during the investigation showed Bashir, who retired from the force in June, contacted a woman who had reported serious sexual offences and domestic abuse without any identified policing purpose. He also began a sexual relationship with her.

The judge directed the jury during the trial to find Bashir not guilty of a second count of misconduct in a public office. He will be sentenced on 29 August.

IOPC Director Emily Barry said: “As a police officer, DC Bashir held significant power so to abuse his position for a sexual purpose was an invidious and corrupt use of that power.

“Despite being an officer with 28 years’ service, Bashir blatantly disregarded the rules designed to protect the public and maintain confidence in the police.  His actions can only have undermined trust in policing.

“I would like to praise the courage of the woman who came forward to report DC Bashir’s behaviour which fell far short of the standards expected of a police officer.

“We would encourage any individual who believes they may have been a victim of this type of offending by a police officer to come forward and report it with the confidence it will be taken seriously.”

Former DC Bashir had previous experience as a specialist investigator of rape and serious sexual offences, meaning he would have known that the survivors were likely to be vulnerable. He had also undertaken the required training around abuse of position for a sexual purpose, so would have been well aware his actions were unacceptable.

The investigation found evidence Bashir engaged in sexual activity, including intercourse, with one woman on three separate occasions while he was part of the team investigating a sexual offence which she had reported to the police.

Evidence was also found that Bashir had posted photographs of himself and the woman online, presenting them as a couple, without her consent.

On conclusion of the investigation, in October 2023, the case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charge.

We also found former DC Bashir has a case to answer for gross misconduct related to alleged breaches of the professional standards. Though he has retired, a hearing will still be arranged by WYP in due course.