A prison officer was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office today, Thursday, July 25. It follows alleged 'inappropriate' contact with a prisoner at HMP Dovegate in Staffordshire , BirminghamLive can reveal. A 49-year-old woman was arrested in the Staffordshire area and was due to be questioned.
The Regional Organised Crime Unit for West Midlands Police is investigating the case at the jail, which is near Uttoxeter. Serco, which operates the jail, said it had a "zero-tolerance approach to any individuals who fail to meet the standards" it expected. It said it "worked closely with police to investigate the issue fully and take appropriate action when necessary" if an officer falls short of expectations.
READ MORE: Message to The Cube Hotel customers as luxury venue enters administration Sources said the arrested officer, who has been suspended, was part of the jail's equalities team. BirminghamLive understands a 32-year-old prisoner on recall to jail for breaching his licence conditions was also under investigation for allegedly "manipulating a prison staff member." He was transferred to another prison.
A West Midlands Police spokesman told BirminghamLive: "A 49-year-old woman was arrested today, July 25, in the Staffordshire area on suspicion of misconduct in public office. It follows an investigation by the Regional Organised Crime Unit for the West Midlands (ROCUWM). The woman remains in custody and will be questioned in due course.
" A Serco spokesman told Birm.