By Samantha Jones-
A police officer who falsified firearms record received a written warning instead of a dismissal, a misconduct hearing heard.
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said it has requested a judicial review following the outcome of a misconduct hearing into the actions of former Sergeant Hayley Russell and PC Chris Strickland.
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Gross misconduct was proven for both officers at the hearing in December 2021 with the panel, led by an independent legally qualified chair, determining a final written warning was the most appropriate sanction.
“We felt this was too lenient in light of the allegations. A judicial review agreed the outcome should be reconsidered, and this was done by a fresh panel,” said the MPS.
The panel determined Sgt Russell should have been dismissed and PC Strickland’s outcome should remain as a final written warning.
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Detective Chief Superintendent Donna Smith, who leads the Firearms Command, said: “The allegations were extremely serious and in our view the outcome of the original hearing needed to be reviewed.
“We require all our firearms officers to train regularly and refresh their skills in order to remain competent to carry firearms operationally to keep London safe.
“Falsifying records to give the impression that training has taken place – as Sgt Russell did for PC Strickland – falls far below our high standards.
“Given the responsibility firearms officers have and the huge trust we place in them, this is unacceptable.
“It is right Sgt Russell would have been dismissed had she still been serving, and this case shows we will challenge where we think misconduct panels have not made the correct decision.”
The MPS said neither officer had been in a role carrying firearms since the initial misconduct hearing.
Sgt Russell resigned from the MPS before the fresh hearing, which ended on Tuesday (June 20) took place.
Integrity And Accountability
Concerns have been raised about the revelation that a firearms officer falsified records raises serious concerns about the integrity and accountability within law enforcement.
In a profession that increasingly calls for the utmost trust, the need to build public confidence confidence has been ever so important.
Falsifying records is a serious breach of ethical and professional standards.
The Met is determined to clean up the force and get rid of corrupt officer in their midst.
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