Serving officer dismissed without notice - London

A serving British Transport Police officer has been formally dismissed without notice, following an accelerated misconduct hearing.

Police Sergeant Coleman, based in London, was dismissed with immediate effect by the Chief Constable on Wednesday 27 July.

The allegations were that on 4 June 2022, Police Sergeant Coleman attended for duty as a Custody Officer while unfit due to the influence of alcohol and drugs.

When tested, he provided a positive result for alcohol and cocaine.

The Chief Constable found that his actions amounted to gross misconduct and dismissed him with immediate effect.

Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “This is a clear breach of the high standards we expect from police officers, and the fact we have chosen to fast track this misconduct hearing demonstrates how seriously we take such incidents.

“PS Coleman was entrusted with care of detainees as a custody sergeant. Performing his role under the influence of drink and drugs is totally unacceptable and unreflective of the standards and values of BTP.

"PS Coleman’s behaviour undermined the trust the public place in us, to protect them. Nobody was harmed in this case but trust and professionalism are non-negotiable. I have therefore dismissed him with immediate effect."