Telford police speed camera worker sacked for gross misconduct

The man was dismissed after going before an assistant chief constable sitting on a disciplinary panel.

He was a civilian member of West Mercia Police’s camera enforcement team based in Telford and stood accused of claiming to have gone out on a patrol when he had not.

The offence happened in the town in June, when the team were carrying out routine patrols to ensure motorists stuck to the speed limit.

The worker, who has not been named by the force, is believed to have falsified a statement to look as if he had been observing vehicles and taking down details of their speed. It was later discovered that the data he had submitted had been made up.

A gross misconduct hearing was held this week to consider the matter following an investigation by the force’s Professional Standards Department.

Chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Wessell, the matter was deemed so serious that dismissal was deemed the best option.

West Mercia Police did not give any more details about the offence, or where in Telford the worker was supposed to be patrolling.

But it is believed no speeding tickets were sent as a result of his actions.

West Mercia Police today said the falsified statement given by the worker did not affect any members of the public. Mr Wessell determined the allegations were proven and the member of staff’s actions amounted to gross misconduct.

Superintendent Helena Bennett, head of Professional Standards Department said the force was determined to ensure its officers upheld the best standards.

She said: “The misconduct hearing found that the behaviour of the member of staff fell below the standards we expect from our officers and staff .

“It amounted to gross misconduct and has such he has been dismissed from the force.

“The public quite rightly expect police officers and staff to act with the utmost integrity and where behaviour and actions fall below that we will take action.”

The worker involved has an option to appeal the decision.

Supt Bennett said the issue was subject to the normal appeals process.