A UK police officer has been jailed after being filmed stealing a woman’s underwear during a house search. CCTV footage captured Marcin Zielinski, of Hertfordshire Police, taking a pink panty from a drawer and placing it in his back pocket.
The incident occurred in September 2024, when Zielinski was conducting a search of the home of an arrested woman, according to the BBC.
Victim Speaks Out
The woman, whose TikTok post brought the video to public attention, wrote:
“On the 12th of September, 2024, my husband opened the front door to multiple police officers (more than needed for little old me). I was arrested, handcuffed, searched, and taken to Hatfield Police Station for an allegation that wasn’t true, and the outcome was no further action.”
She added:
“While I was in the cell, my house was searched, and PC Marcin Zielinski went into my underwear drawer and picked a pair of my underwear that he wanted and put them in his back pocket away from the body camera.”
Disturbing CCTV Evidence
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The video, now circulating widely on social media, clearly shows Zielinski opening a drawer, picking a pink panty, and slipping it into his back pocket.
Hertfordshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Genna Telfer condemned the actions:
“Zielinski has let down the public of Hertfordshire, the police service as a whole and his former colleagues, who act with professionalism and integrity. His criminal behaviour damages the reputation of policing and represents a fundamental betrayal of the public and the values for which the police service stands.”
Charges and Sentence
Zielinski admitted to one count of corrupt or improper exercise of police powers and privileges, along with a charge of theft. He was sentenced to four months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about misconduct within law enforcement and the importance of accountability.
