Wiltshire Special Constable sacked for taking ecstasy off-duty
The volunteer police officer took illegal drugs on multiple occasions
Last updated 31st Aug 2021
A Special Constable with Wiltshire Police, who took ecstasy while he was off-duty, has been sacked.
A Gross Misconduct Hearing was told that Owen Pugh had used a controlled drug, namely MDMA (Ecstasy) on multiple occasions between December 2019 and February 2020 whilst a serving member of the Force.
The allegation was upheld by the Chair who found that Mr Pugh had breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour, specifically the standards relating to Discreditable Conduct and Fitness for Work.
As a result, Mr Pugh was dismissed without notice.
'We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour'
Head of Professional Standards at Wiltshire Police, Superintendent Steve Cox said:
“Like the rest of the community we serve, it is totally unacceptable for any police employee to use illegal drugs.
“Our frontline officers and staff are out in our communities everyday trying to prevent the use of illegal drugs and also see first-hand the damage these substances cause.
“It is, therefore, shocking that a serving member of Wiltshire Police would think it is acceptable to take any such substance.
“Whilst we do not believe Mr Pugh took these drugs whilst on duty, his actions obviously fall well below our clear code of conduct and the set of values and behaviours that all officers, staff and volunteers are required to adhere to.
“I hope this sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this sort of behaviour from anyone and we will take robust action when we encounter it".