A CHIEF constable has given a formal caution to a woman detective who
had contact with a literary agent about a book of her life in the wake
of the Frederick West murder inquiry.
The matter involving DC Hazel Savage, 50, arose from ''an error of
judgment and a degree of naivety'', said Mr Tony Butler of
Gloucestershire police.
He was announcing his decision to give a caution to Mrs Savage, who
was found guilty last week at an internal disciplinary hearing over her
alleged discreditable conduct. She is considering an appeal to the Home
Office.
The hearing followed an internal investigation after a national
newspaper report that Mrs Savage, who has 30 years police service, had
touted her life story for sale in a #1m deal.
It is believed she had a key role in the Cromwell Street murder
investigation which began at the end of February last year.
Her role has never been revealed but it is understood she was involved
in interviewing builder Frederick West, who later stood accused of 12
murder counts, including those of his first wife, his daughter, and a
stepdaughter.
The allegations concerning Mrs Savage were also referred to the
independent Police Complaints Authority for supervision.
She had been found guilty last week of discreditable conduct by the
chief constable of the neighbouring West Mercia force, Mr David Blakey,
at a private hearing. The matter was referred back to Mr Butler, the
chief constable of Gloucestershire, for action.
At his headquarters today Mr Butler said the caution had been formally
made to the woman detective. She was not present at the media
conference.
He disclosed that the detective was nearing retirement in the spring
of last year and considered the possibility of writing a book on her
career. She had discussions with a literary agent when her involvement
in the alleged Cromwell Street murders was raised.
But after two meetings she decided, after taking independent legal
advice, not to take the matter further. She paid for that advice
herself.
She made clear in writing to the agent that she was not proceeding
further. That letter was some seven months before the newspaper
allegation.
Mr Butler said: ''It is important to point out that no confidential
information was disclosed by DC Savage during the discussions. No money
was received by DC Savage.''
He said it was wholly accepted that there was no intention to bring
discredit upon her force.
Mr Butler added: ''This was an unfortunate but single event which
should be seen in the context of a distinguished career of more than 30
years in public service.''
Mrs Savage received the MBE for her police work in this year's New
Year's honours list. But after the allegations into her alleged conduct,
she was taken off the Cromwell Street inquiry team and is now believed
to be working in the intelligence unit.
John Lane, Gloucestershire secretary of the Police Federation, said
the detective was held in great esteem and respect after 30 years'
distinguished service. She had five commendations.
Since 1993 she had been considering writing about her police
experiences. But involvement in the West inquiry caused her to
reappraise the situation.
With the victims' families and the reputation of the force in mind,
she took legal advice on any implications that the inquiry might have in
a possible autobiography.
Fred West, 53, was accused of murdering 12 girls and women, including
his first wife Catherine and two daughters, Heather and Charmaine. He
was found hanged in his prison cell at Winson Green Jail, Birmingham, on
New Year's Day.
His wife Rosemary, 41, faces 10 murder charges, and is due to stand
trial at Winchester Crown Court in October.
