BOUNCER TEAM
Cop’s security firm links revealed
A Kent Police officer was also acting as the boss of one of Maidstone’s largest security firms, the Kent Messenger can reveal.
Tom Devine, 32 is the director of TMS Protection Ltd, which he set up in 2012. The company provides door staff to bars including The Source, Gallery Nightclub and Dusk 2 Dawn.
But despite his involvement in security, Mr Devine did not give up his position when he became a serving officer.
A complaint was made last week, and Kent Police launched an investigation. Mr Devine has resigned for childcare reasons, bringing the investigation to an end.
A force spokesman said: “Kent Police was made aware an officer was working in secondary employment. While the circumstances were being investigated, the officer offered his resignation, which was accepted.”
According to Kent Police regulations, officers of Grade E and above must seek permission from the chief constable to launch a private venture.
The regulations state the force will not approve working within the private security industry or providing services that are or could be discharged by the police.
Mr Devine told the KM the allegations were unfounded and he had done nothing wrong.
He has worked as a constable for around a year.
Before then he was a special constable, a position which at the time was not subject to the same regulations.
Companies House records state Mr Devine ran TMS Protection Ltd, which has offices in Maidstone and Ashford until July 1, 2015, when he resigned.
However, on July 8 last year – just seven days later – he returned as director.
As well as providing door staff for pubs and clubs, TMS supplies security and stewards for the Big Day Out and The Social music festivals. The company works with One Maidstone (formerly Maidstone Town Centre Management) to run the Saturday night taxi marshal scheme. This often means working closely with Kent Police.
TMS’s website previously stressed Mr Devine’s policing experience, but has since been changed.