Two Devon and Cornwall Police officers sacked after 'speeding in seized vehicle'
The pair were on duty with the Devon and Cornwall Police 'No Excuses' road safety team at the time of the incident
Last updated 12th Apr 2021
Two Devon and Cornwall Police officers, who were accused of speeding in a seized vehicle, have been sacked.
Both were on duty with the No Excuses road safety team in 2019.
It was alleged one drove for just over three miles, reaching 89mph.
The other was said to have filmed part of the incident, before the footage was shared with other officers on WhatsApp.
On 25th March, both officers were dismissed without notice and barred from policing after a panel decided their actions amounted to gross misconduct.
What are the details of the case?
PC Shaun Pearce and PC Daniel Pike faced allegations that in 2019, they breached the standards appropriate to the conduct of a police officer in respect of honesty, integrity, authority, respect, courtesy, duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct.
The public hearing took place following allegations of misconduct whilst the officers were on duty in the 'No Excuses' road safety team.
It was alleged that on 16th January 2019, the officers were working on a road safety campaign around The Fatal Five.
They had seized a vehicle and whilst awaiting the arrival of a recovery vehicle, and without the consent of the vehicle's owner, PC Pearce drove the vehicle for 3.1 miles, at one point reaching a speed of 89mph.
The vehicle was returned minutes later to the same position.
PC Pike was a passenger and filmed part of the driving, including the excessive speed. This footage was then shared with other officers via a WhatsApp group.
The officers then gave an explanation for the necessity to move the vehicle rather than it remain in situ awaiting recovery.
Following the three-day public hearing, the panel concluded that the allegations were proven and that PCs Pearce and Pike had breached the expected standards of professional behaviour.
The panel determined that the officers would be dismissed without notice and their details will be submitted to the College of Policing Barred List, preventing them from working within policing.
What is the response from Devon and Cornwall Police?
Head of Professional Standards, Detective Superintendent Paul Kessell said: "The behaviour displayed by these officers falls well below what the force and the public expect of a police officer.
"Through their actions, they have undermined the public’s trust and confidence in the police force and taken advantage of the responsibility placed on them in their roles.
"We will not tolerate such behaviours and therefore dismissal was the right and proper outcome".
Head of Professional Standards, Detective Superintendent Paul Kessell