By James Simons-
A Northamptonshire Police constable faces accusations he crashed a force vehicle while speeding to an incident despite not having clearance to do more than ‘basic’ driving.
PC Jordan Logue is alleged to have exceeded his driving authority by using blue lights and sirens and exceeding the speed limit on his way to a job he had not been sent to without telling the force control room.
Details of the case published by Northamptonshire Police ahead of a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday (July 20) claim that PC Logue later denied using ‘blues ‘n twos’ when quizzed by a senior officer.
The incident involved a police car colliding with another vehicle on February 16, 2021.
It is claimed PC Logue: “Breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of his use of a marked police vehicle and his dealings with colleagues and supervisors.
“At all material times he was aware that his authority to drive a marked police vehicle on duty was limited to that which applied to the ‘basic operational’ driving authority.
“The officer self-deployed to an incident and did not notify the Force Control Room. On driving to the incident, he exceeded his driving authority by using blue lights and sirens, and exceeded the speed limit.
“On the journey he collided with a member of public’s vehicle, causing damage.
“When spoken to by an inspector the officer denied using blue lights and sirens.”
The hearing at Northampton Police HQ at Wootton Hall Park will be told the conduct will amount to gross misconduct, if proven, because it was fundamentally dishonest.
Several incidents of crime have been reported in Northamptonshire in the last week, many of a unique nature, even at low levels.
Cops have raced from one incident to another to address reports of crime
Northamptonshire Police have urged members of the public to be vigilant when out and about following a spate of distraction thefts in the county.
Since June 13, there has been six reported distraction thefts which have taken place between 10.20am and 3pm in supermarket car parks in Kettering, Rushden, and Wellingborough.
In each incident, a lone woman has been approached in the car park and informed her car has been damaged. Whilst checking over her vehicle, her purse or bag has been stolen and bank cards fraudulently used.
Carole Jones, Crime Prevention Team Leader, said: “It takes a really unscrupulous person to follow a vulnerable person around a store, waiting for the right moment to steal their handbag or purse.
“Unfortunately, these people do exist, and often use distraction techniques to get what they want.
“This can involve bumping into victims – something which causes them to be flustered and unaware someone has stolen from them. Or it can involve working in pairs with one person distracting the victim while the other steals from them.
“It’s worth making sure you read the tips below in order to best prevent yourself from becoming a victim and making sure any elderly people in your life are aware of these tips as well.”
Members of the public are advised a bell to their handbag so they can hear if it is moved
Handbags are never to be hung on pushchairs or shopping trolleys
Bags should be kept firmly closed, with the flap against your body
People are advised to protect their pin when using their cards or withdrawing money from an ATM, and do not keep your pin number in your handbag or purse
People who feel they are being watched or notice someone acting suspiciously are advised to inform the store security or customer service desk.
Members of the public are also advised to check their car for any obvious signs of damage prior to driving away and once inside, ensure doors are locked and windows closed.