Sexual misconduct and theft top offences list of sacked police officers
WEST Midlands Police have sacked 67 officers over the past five years – with sexual misconduct and theft topping offences.
The Birmingham Post obtained figures under the Freedom Of Information Act showing how many officers had been fired for gross misconduct.
A total of 11 officers were sacked in 2013, 12 in the following year, ten in 2015 and 13 in 2016.
There were 15 officers fired for gross misconduct in 2017 and so far this year six officers have been dismissed from the force.
In the past five years there have been 116 allegations made against officers, some of which are still being investigated.
There were 13 allegations of sexual misconduct from 2013 until October 31, 2018 and 11 allegations of theft.
There were nine cases of neglecting on-duty commitments and eight allegations of off-duty assault.
There were six allegations of officers making discriminatory/inappropriate comments and five of driving under the influence of alcohol.
There were five allegations in the past five years of officers abusing their authority for sexual gain.
Earlier this month former Detective Sergeant Marcus O’Dell was sacked by the force at a disciplinary hearing after admitting a sex offence. He had worked in the Public Protection Unit but pleaded guilty to a charge of voyeurism when he appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court.
At the disciplinary hearing, Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: “It is right that officers must also be expected to uphold the law.
“This particular case is a serious matter and is aggravated by the fact it involved a vulnerable person.
“This has undermined the force. It is hard to imagine how anyone with this conviction could continue in this force, or any other. He is dismissed without notice.”
O’Dell faces up to 18 behind bars for the offence.
The 46-year-old was arrested at his Stafford home in May and immediately removed from his role in the unit – which largely investigates sex offences. months
Another police officer fired from the force this year for gross misconduct was PC Abigail Smith.
She stole £70 worth of moisturiser from Selfridges before going on to steal another £130 of cosmetics from Superdrug and Kiko Milano in the Bullring.
She was dismissed for gross misconduct after appearing in front of a Misconduct Hearing, also chaired by Chief Constable Dave Thompson.
She was handed a caution on September 26 this year after the Bullring shoplifting offences were assessed by the Crown Prosecution Service.