PC David Smith PS Tim Hannah outcome summary
Misconduct hearing outcome
Officers concerned: PC David Smith and PS Tim Hannah
Date of hearing: 2 to 13 September 2024
Summary
Police Constable David Smith, based within the Roads and Transport OCU, answered allegations that his conduct amounted to breaches of the Standards of Professional Behaviour, in respect of:
- Discreditable Conduct
- Authority, Respect and Courtesy
- Equality and Diversity
It is alleged that PC Smith used swear words to address his sergeant, used racist and other derogatory language about sections of the community including Turkish people, Somali people, Jewish people and Eastern European people, used a derogatory term in reference to a Turkish colleague and took a photo of colleague on the toilet.
It is further alleged that this conduct amounts to gross misconduct, namely a breach of the standards of professional behaviour that, if proved, is so serious that his dismissal would be justified.
Police Sergeant Timothy Hannah, based within the Roads and Transport OCU, answered allegations that his conduct amounted to breaches of the Standards of Professional Behaviour, in respect of:
- Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct
- Equality and Diversity
- Discreditable Conduct
It is alleged that PS Hannah failed to challenge to report the conduct by PC Smith above, as well as would hold meetings from which officers with a heritage other than white British were excluded.
It is further alleged that this conduct amounts to gross misconduct, namely a breach of the standards of professional behaviour that, if proved, is so serious that his dismissal would be justified.
Decision
The panel found that PC Smith was proven to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour of Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct at the level of Misconduct for 3 of the 7 allegations. PC Smith was issued a Final Written Warning for 3 years.
The panel found that PS Hannah was proven to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour of Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct at the level of Misconduct for 3 of the 9 allegations. PS Hannah was issued a Final Written Warning for 3 years.