PC Sakib Bhatti outcome summary

Misconduct hearing outcome 

Officer concerned: PC Sakib Bhatti 

Dates of hearing: 8 April 2026

Summary

Following consideration by the Panel of counsel's no case to answer submissions in respect of allegations 3 to 5 and also that such matters as remained could not amount to either misconduct or gross misconduct, the Panel concluded that there was no case to answer in relation to allegations 3 and 4.

Allegations 3 and 4 were dismissed however the Panel decided there remained a case to answer on allegations 1, 2 and 5.

PC Bhatti's failure to properly record the reason for his searches undermines public confidence.

The Panel applied statutory definitions of gross misconduct and misconduct and concluded that in this case, his actions amounted to misconduct but not gross misconduct.

PC Bhatti's actions were not targeted or planned and he received no tangible benefit other than his own potential time savings.

The Panel identified no additional aggravating factors beyond the number of searches conducted and PC Bhatti's acceptance that the entering of such vague terms as "intel" or "intelligence" as reasons for searched was common practice for him.

PC Bhatti benefited from his good character over an extended period of twenty years' service.

Decision

PC Bhatti was issued a Written Warning for a period of 18 months.