Celebrity police officer Paul Street, 41, who fostered a “toxic” culture, has been jailed at the Old Bailey for four years after requesting to be sent a female suspect’s sex video.
Former police sergeant Street, 41, found fame in television crime shows on the BBC and Channel 4 and was known for getting “impressive results” through his “robust” style.
However, anti-corruption officers began investigating him and uncovered his two WhatsApp groups in 2021 after he was reported by a new police officer.
He encouraged colleagues to “bully” a teenage detainee and asked a workmate to send him a sex video of a female suspect, the Old Bailey had heard.
Following Street’s sentencing on Wednesday, Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) director of engagement Emily Barry said: “Paul Street’s behaviour was appalling and a complete abuse of his position as a police officer.
“He fostered a toxic culture in his team and instead of leading by example, he encouraged others to join in exchanging inappropriate messages – creating an environment that junior officers would find very difficult to challenge.
“However, this investigation shows that officers must be courageous and call out this sort of behaviour and forces must make sure that they support and protect those that do report. The officer who reported Street should be acknowledged for standing up for what is right.
“The public would also be shocked at knowing officers shared intimate photos from a woman’s phone without any policing purpose and that Street made a video threatening a child who was detained in custody.
“His actions are inexcusable and damage the public’s trust in police officers.
“Today’s prison sentences for both Street and Josh Williams reflects the seriousness of their offending and sends a strong message that officers who commit criminal behaviour risk jail time.”
More to follow…
