A former police officer resigned her position before facing a misconduct hearing, bringing to light a troubling breach of trust within the force.
The case centers around Maryam Ilyas, who joined West Yorkshire Police in June 2024, and her undisclosed relationship with an individual connected to criminal activity. Investigators uncovered a series of messages, including images of money and discussions referencing drugs, exchanged between the two.
Despite the evidence, Ilyas initially claimed she was unaware of the individual’s criminal history and felt unprepared as a new recruit. She stated she believed she was expected to possess comprehensive knowledge from the outset of her training.
However, a disciplinary panel, led by former deputy chief constable Catherine Hankinson, determined the messages demonstrated an “existing relationship” extending up to July 2025. The panel concluded Ilyas’s actions were “repeated,” “sustained,” and “intentional.”
Hankinson emphasized the public’s expectation of honesty and integrity from police officers, stating Ilyas’s conduct was a disservice to both the public and her colleagues. The vast majority of officers uphold these standards, making this case particularly damaging.
Ilyas admitted to failing to disclose the relationship on her vetting form, a critical oversight in maintaining transparency and accountability. This admission led to a finding of gross misconduct.
Detective chief superintendent Tanya Wilkins highlighted the clear directive given to all personnel regarding the declaration of personal contacts with individuals involved in criminal activity. Ilyas demonstrably ignored this order, further compounding the severity of her actions.
The investigation also revealed inappropriate access and sharing of police data, coupled with dishonesty regarding these breaches. This combination of offenses severely undermined public confidence in the police service.
While Ilyas ultimately resigned, the panel determined her actions warranted dismissal. More significantly, her name has been added to the College of Policing’s Barred List, effectively preventing her from future employment in any police force nationwide.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards within law enforcement and the consequences of failing to do so.
