A POLICE inspector who misused his flashing blue lights has been sacked by Thames Valley Police, sending a “clear message” to other officers tempted to flout the law.
In October last year, the officer was found guilty of turning on his police car’s emergency response equipment – the lights, flashing headlights and siren – despite not having permission to do so. It was the second time he had been involved in a disciplinary hearing for the same offence.
Special Inspector Phillip Simpson, who was based at Wokingham police station, took part in two day public misconduct hearing earlier this week and was dismissed from the force on Tuesday, June 21.
He was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to ‘Orders and Instructions’ as set out in the Schedule to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012 for driving the police car on October 7, from Old Forest Road to Easthampstead Road in Wokingham.
Thames Valley Police said that in addition to this charge, S/Insp Simpson was also answering two other breaches of the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Orders and Instructions and Duties and Responsibilities as set out in the Schedule to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012.
There was no case to answer in relation to an alleged incident of instructing a Special Constable under supervision to store a CAPTOR spray canister contrary to Force policy. The spray is used by officers to assist with tackling offenders, it works by stinging the eyes causing discomfort for up to 35 minutes.
S/Insp Simpson was given a final written warning in connection with a breach of Professional Standards in which sometime between October 7 and November 18, 2015 – while he was off duty – he stored a canister of CAPTOR spray in a personal locker which contravenes Force policy.
Thames Valley Police Det Chief Supt Tim de Meyer, head of professional standards for the Force, said: “Warning equipment is fitted to police vehicles in order that appropriately trained officers can respond to emergencies as safely as possible.
“Special Inspector Simpson activated this equipment when he was not trained to do so.
“The public must be able to have confidence that officers are driving in accordance with their training and abilities and Special Inspector Simpson’s dismissal sends a clear message that any failure to do so will be thoroughly investigated and dealt with robustly.”
