Jamie Harrison, a former West Mercia police officer, has been sentenced to over two years in prison after being found guilty of fraudulently stealing more than £13,000 from the Police Federation funds he was entrusted to manage.
Harrison, from Droitwich, served as secretary and treasurer of the West Mercia Police Federation between 2010 and 2018, a role that required safeguarding his colleagues’ financial interests. Instead, he abused this position to finance lavish family holidays, alcohol, and entertainment expenses.
Over the course of his tenure, Harrison submitted over 100 fraudulent expense claims, deliberately keeping each under £100 to avoid detection. He also collected salary payments on days he was absent from work, including taking international trips to watch rugby in Italy and Ireland and tending to his allotment while falsely marking full attendance on his timesheets.
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Disturbingly, Harrison exploited solemn National Police Memorial Days—events honoring fallen officers—as opportunities to expense luxury family vacations at the Federation’s cost. These trips involved stays in 4 and 5-star hotels across York, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and London, with meals and day trips charged to funds meant for police members.
Following an investigation, Harrison was convicted at Hereford Crown Court on 15 counts of fraud by abuse of position, involving approximately £13,500. He resigned from the police force in February 2022 and was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court to two years and three months imprisonment, with sentences running concurrently.
Detective Superintendent Tony Garner condemned Harrison’s actions: “He betrayed the trust of both the public and his colleagues by exploiting his role for personal gain. This criminal behavior was thoroughly investigated to uphold the standards expected of public servants.”
Victoria Norman, head of the CPS’s Serious Economic Organised and International Directorate, added: “Harrison’s actions reflect a blatant disregard for honesty and integrity expected of someone in his position. His sustained dishonest conduct over eight years was a complete betrayal of the Police Federation members who trusted him to manage their subscriptions responsibly. The CPS remains committed to prosecuting those who abuse positions of public trust.”