Former Derbyshire police call handlers jailed for abusing positions

Two former Derbyshire Constabulary call handlers have been jailed after abusing their positions within the force.

Ellie-Mae Doherty and Jessica Fitzhugh, both 22, worked as call handlers in the force’s control room before leaving the organisation. 

They were sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on 3rd September 2026 following an investigation directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). 

Doherty, from Ripley, pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office after admitting she passed sensitive information from police systems to a man linked to crime. 

She also admitted failing to tell Derbyshire Constabulary that she had a personal association with the man. 

Doherty was sentenced to 11 months in prison. 

Fitzhugh, from Belper, denied misconduct in public office but pleaded guilty to computer misuse. 

She admitted accessing information on police systems without authorisation and taking photographs of material held on those systems without permission. 

Fitzhugh was sentenced to four months in prison. 

Both women were charged with misconduct in public office in April, following conduct referrals made by Derbyshire Constabulary to the IOPC in December 2023 and March 2024. 

The IOPC decided the allegations required investigation and that it was appropriate for the force’s Counter Corruption Unit to carry out the investigation under its direction and control. 

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Michelle Shooter said police officers and staff were given access to “extremely sensitive information” to help keep communities safe. 

She said: “The public put their trust in us and expect that we will use that information for the appropriate reasons. 

“Both Jessica Fitzhugh and Ellie-Mae Doherty breached the trust and have faced the consequences of their actions. 

“The force worked closely with the Independent Office for Police Conduct to carry out the investigation into Fitzhugh and Doherty following a conduct referral to the IOPC by the force. 

“The case reinforces the clear responsibilities that officers and staff have – and that the force will take action against those who break the law and breach the standards of conduct that are expected of them.” 

Both Fitzhugh and Doherty have now left Derbyshire Constabulary. 

Following their convictions and sentencing, a misconduct hearing will also take place.