Former West Mercia officer convicted of abusing members’ funds
A former West Mercia Police officer and Police Federation treasurer has been convicted of fraud after using members’ funds to pay for family holidays, alcohol and entertainment.
Jamie Harrison, 55, from Droitwich, was found guilty at Hereford Crown Court of 15 counts of fraud by abuse of position. The total value of the fraud was approximately £13,500.
Harrison served as secretary and treasurer of the West Mercia Police Federation (WMPF) between 2010 and 2018. In that role, he held sole control over the Federation’s petty cash and was responsible for safeguarding the financial interests of fellow officers.
The court heard that Harrison repeatedly used Federation funds for personal expenditure, including food, alcohol and entertainment. He kept individual claims just below £100 to avoid scrutiny, and investigators identified more than 100 fraudulent claims.
Harrison also received salary payments for days when he was not working. Evidence presented at trial included text messages showing he took time off to watch rugby abroad, including trips to Italy and Ireland, and spent time working on his allotment while his timesheets recorded him as completing full shifts.
In addition, the prosecution proved that Harrison used his attendance at National Police Memorial Days as opportunities to take family holidays at Federation expense. His wife and children stayed in four and five-star hotels in York, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London. Harrison claimed the costs of accommodation, meals and day trips from Federation funds.
Harrison resigned from West Mercia Police in February 2022.
Victoria Norman, Unit Head at the Crown Prosecution Service’s Serious Economic Organised and International Directorate, said Harrison had been in a position of considerable trust and was expected to act with honesty and integrity.
She said he exploited his control over the Federation’s finances for personal gain and behaved dishonestly throughout his eight-year tenure. She added that his conduct amounted to a betrayal of colleagues whose subscriptions funded the Police Federation.
Detective Superintendent Tony Garner of West Mercia Police said Harrison chose to act for himself and took advantage of his role to use members’ funds for personal gain. He said the investigation was conducted without fear or favour.
Harrison, born on 27 August 1970 and of Worcester Road, Droitwich, was acquitted of one count of fraud by abuse of position. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a further count.