Police Officer dismissed after faking positive Covid-19 test
The former Devon and Cornwall officer was dismissed without notice
A former Devon and Cornwall Police Officer has been dismissed without notice after a misconduct panel found his actions had amounted to gross misconduct.
It had been alleged that PC Jack Martindale had sent a message to a senior officer saying he was sick, attaching a photo of a positive Covid test.
In further messages in August 2022, he spoke to an inspector, admitting he had lied about having covid and reporting sick.
In a separate matter which has been investigated by the Police Watchdog, the panel found his actions amounted to misconduct, in respect of allegations of inappropriate contact with a victim of crime.
Following the two-day public hearing, the panel concluded that the allegations were proven, and that PC Martindale had breached the expected standards of professional behaviour.
Head of Professional Standards, Superintendent Jo Arundale said: “Members of the public have a right to expect officers to behave to high standard and on this occasion, the behaviour fell below this level.
"Through his actions, the officer undermined the public’s trust and confidence in the police force and did not fulfil his duties and responsibilities.
“Such behaviour will not be tolerated within policing and the decision of the panel is that the officer is dismissed without notice.”
The panel determined that the officer would be dismissed without notice and his details will be submitted to the College of Policing Barred List, preventing him from working within policing.