Failure to account for drugs taken from an individual - Metropolitan Police Service, October 2016

An allegation was made that two Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers failed to conduct any intelligence checks or issue any paperwork after seizing a quantity of cannabis from a man in west London on 20 October 2016. This allegation was referred to us in May 2017.

Our investigators reviewed CCTV and other video footage and examined MPS property records. They reviewed the officers’ actions in line with statutory legislation and the MPS cannabis possession policy.

Following our initial assessment of the evidence, two MPS officers were served with notices that alleged they may have breached the standards of professional behaviour. During an interview with our investigators, one of the officers stated he seized two small bags of cannabis from a man and tore the bags open before rubbing the cannabis into the ground with his boot. The officer acknowledged he did not conduct intelligence checks, issue any paperwork or take the drugs to an authorised MPS storage facility. The second officer stated he was aware of the actions of his colleague, but did not consider he had done anything wrong.

Our investigation concluded there was evidence of a case to answer for gross misconduct for one of the officers in relation to a failure to show diligence in the exercise of his duties and responsibilities. Our investigation concluded there was evidence of a case to answer for misconduct for the second officer for failing to challenge or report the conduct of his colleague.

After reviewing our report, the MPS agreed with our findings and held gross misconduct and misconduct proceedings for the officers. The panel at the gross misconduct hearing found the officer had breached the standards of professional behaviour at the level of misconduct. The officer was given management advice. It was determined at the misconduct meeting for the second officer that he had also breached the standards of professional behaviour and this officer was also given management advice.