A SERVING Thames Valley Police officer has been charged for ‘corrupt’ behaviour and perverting the course of justice.

Following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), PC Matthew Lynch, aged 35, based at Slough police station, has been charged with one count of corrupt or other improper exercise of police powers contrary to section 26 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.

He has also been charged with one count of perverting the course of justice.

PC Lynch will appear at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 4.

Thames Valley Police made a mandatory referral to the IOPC in November 2021. The IOPC then took on the investigation independently.

PC Lynch was suspended from duty following the referral to the IOPC.

Misconduct proceedings will be conducted separately from the criminal case.

A spokesperson from Thames Valley Police said: “We are not in a position to provide further comment at this time, and would refer any further questions to the IOPC.”