A South Wales Police officer has resigned after being caught illegally accessing the force’s computer system and leaking confidential information to members of the public over a period spanning more than two years.

The officer, who has not been named, was found to have conducted unauthorised searches on the police database and shared sensitive information with three women and two men, in what has been described as a serious breach of trust and professional conduct.

Following an internal investigation, the officer was issued a criminal caution, but will not face further disciplinary proceedings as they resigned from the force in disgrace before a misconduct hearing could be concluded.

South Wales Police said the matter was taken extremely seriously and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining integrity and public trust.

“Any misuse of police systems is unacceptable and undermines the confidence the public places in us,” a spokesperson said. “This behaviour does not reflect the standards expected of our officers.”