Former police officer barred after attempting to use warrant card for nightclub entry in Cheltenham
PC Cooling resigned, but would have been dismissed for breaching professional standards
A former police officer has been barred from policing, after trying to gain entry to a nightclub in Cheltenham using her warrant card and claiming she was on a police operation.
PC Hannah Cooling attempted to persuade door staff at the venue to let her in, during the early hours of Sunday, 23rd February 2025.
When approached by officers after the nightclub reported the incident, Cooling denied what had happened.
Misconduct hearing
An investigation by the Professional Standards Department led the case to an accelerated misconduct hearing at Police Headquarters on Friday, 28th November, chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson.
The hearing found Cooling had breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy; Discreditable Conduct; and Honesty and Integrity.
While she resigned before the hearing, it was determined that she would have been dismissed without notice if she had still been serving.
Cooling’s name has now been added to the Police Barred List, preventing her from returning to any policing role in England and Wales.
Statement from senior officer
Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint commented on the decision, emphasising the importance of integrity and professional behaviour for police officers.
“While off-duty, PC Cooling attempted to abuse her position as a police officer to gain entry into a nightclub,” Barrow-Grint said.
“She then lied about her actions when questioned by officers.
“This is a clear breach of the College of Policing’s Standards of Professional Behaviour which every officer must adhere to.”