Former Hertfordshire Police Officer Jailed Four Months for Underwear Theft During Search

Marcin Zielinski, a former Hertfordshire police officer, was sentenced to four months in prison after admitting to stealing underwear during a Section 32 search at a home in Stevenage in September 2024. Zielinski pleaded guilty to theft and corrupt or improper exercise of police powers and privileges at Cambridge Crown Court. He resigned from the police force in November 2024 while under investigation. Hertfordshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Genna Telfer condemned Zielinski's actions as a betrayal of public trust and damaging to the reputation of the police service. A woman residing at the searched property was arrested in connection with an unrelated matter but was released without charge. Zielinski's case highlights a breach of ethical conduct by a law enforcement officer during an official search.