West Yorkshire police chief resigns after breaching lockdown for affair

In January 2021, during the national lockdown, Daniel Greenwood, a 41-year-old chief superintendent with West Yorkshire police, violated Covid guidelines by visiting the flat of a 21-year-old trainee officer for sexual relations while on duty. At the time, he was responsible for overseeing Bradford's pandemic response, which added a layer of irony to his actions. The relationship between Greenwood and the trainee officer continued for several months, during which they exchanged explicit messages, even after she began dating another man who was later convicted of drug offenses. The misconduct panel convened to address Greenwood's actions, which were deemed gross misconduct. He chose to resign from the police force before the probationary hearing took place in Wakefield. This decision reflects the serious nature of his breach of trust and the expectations placed on police officers, especially those in senior positions. The affair began after Greenwood assisted the trainee in her application process, which raises questions about the power dynamics at play in their relationship. His position as a senior officer should have mandated a higher standard of conduct, particularly during a public health crisis when adherence to guidelines was critical. The fallout from this incident not only impacts Greenwood's career but also undermines public trust in law enforcement. Such breaches of conduct can have lasting repercussions on the integrity of the police force, highlighting the need for accountability and ethical behavior among officers.