Officer dismissed following public misconduct hearing - London

A British Transport Police (BTP) sergeant has been dismissed without notice following a public misconduct hearing held at the PSD Hearing Room in Force Headquarters, Camden, on 21-23 August.

Police Sergeant Michael While, based at Albany House, attended the hearing where an allegation was put forward that he breached the standards of professional behaviour, namely ‘Honesty and Integrity (integrity only)’, Discreditable Conduct’, and ‘Authority, Respect and Courtesy’.

It was alleged that between April 2023 and July 2023, PS While sent sexually motivated messages to PC A. PS While denied the allegation.

The independent panel found the allegation proven and that the officer breached the standards of ‘Discreditable Conduct’ and ‘Authority, Respect and Courtesy’.

The panel concluded that the officer’s behaviour amounted to Gross Misconduct, and he was dismissed without notice as a result.

Detective Superintendent Peter Fulton, Head of the Professional Standards Department (PSD) said: “Former PS While’s behaviour was completely inappropriate and I commend PC A for speaking up and reporting this behaviour. Both as a sergeant and a supervisor While’s behaviour was not acceptable or professional and he has been dismissed as a result.”