Police officer admits inappropriate relationships

A former officer has admitted improper use of police powers after he engaged in "inappropriate relationships" with people he met through his work.

Owen Mills, formerly of Staffordshire Police, pleaded guilty to two counts of corrupt or improper exercise of police powers and privileges at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday.

It came after the 22-year-old, of Bude, Cornwall, struck up a personal and sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman, a force spokesperson said.

He also developed a relationship with a witness he had dealt with in the course of his duties, they added.

Mills, who was based in the south of the county, was arrested and suspended in January 2023 following an investigation by Staffordshire Police's professional standards department. He later resigned, the force confirmed.

Dep Ch Con Becky Riggs said: "Mills misused his position to engage in inappropriate relationships with people he met through his work, including a vulnerable woman.

"This is a serious breach of trust and police values."

She said the force had carried out "extensive" training with its officers about improper and inappropriate relationships.

Mills is due to be sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court at a later date.

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