Actions of 'drunk' former Wiltshire PCSO amount to gross misconduct

The actions of a former Wiltshire PCSO, who admitted drink driving whilst on duty, amount to gross misconduct, a hearing has found.

Neil Turnbull was found under the influence, behind the wheel of a police car, in Hindon in March 2023.

He was immediately suspended from the force and later resigned from his role.

Turnbull was also sentenced at Swindon Magistrates in August to a 12 month driving ban - reduced if a safer driving course was completed.

A Wiltshire Police misconduct hearing has now ruled he would have been dismissed from the force, if he hadn't already left.

Turnbull will now be added to the College of Policing Barred Advisory List.

Detective Inspector Adam Leakey said:

“Clearly, the actions of Mr Turnbull fly in the face of the standards the public rightly expect from us.

“As a direct result of his actions, he could have posed a significant risk to the public, his colleagues and himself.

“A gross misconduct investigation has now taken place which confirmed Mr Turnbull’s actions amounted to gross misconduct and he has been added to the College Barred List which means he will never be able to pursue a career in policing again."

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