PC banned from Force for giving friends a lift in police car with blue lights on

A former Devon and Cornwall Police Constable was dismissed without notice from the force, after a misconduct hearing into his actions.

He had been accused of using a police vehicle to give friends a lift, during which he turned on the emergency blue lights.

PC Christopher Fletcher was found to have breached the standards of appropriate conduct between March and June 2020.

It had been alleged the officer had accessed police intelligence systems for non-policing purposes, contrary to standards of Confidentiality, Orders and Instructions

It was also alleged that he pursued a course of conduct towards two individuals, which could be perceived as harassing, bullying, victimising, or offensive contrary to standards of Authority, Courtesy and Respect and being Discreditable Conduct.

A third allegation was that he misused a police vehicle to give a lift to friends during which he illuminated the emergency blue lights and contravened a traffic signal, contrary to Orders and Instructions and Discreditable Conduct

It was also alleged he gave a dishonest answer when questioned about events, contrary to Honesty and Integrity.

Following a 4-day hearing, the panel concluded the allegations were proven, and that PC Fletcher had breached the expected standards of professional behaviour.

Head of Professional Standards, Superintendent Jo Arundale said: “Officers are expected to fulfil their duties to high standards within policing and on this occasion, the officer has fallen below that expectation.

“As a result of his actions and in not fulfilling his duties and responsibilities, he has undermined the public’s trust and confidence in the police force.

“Conduct of this kind will not be tolerated within Devon & Cornwall Police and therefore this was the right and proper outcome.”