A Greater Manchester Police officer has been dismissed after failing a drugs test. Pc Jack Sanderson was found guilty of gross misconduct following a disciplinary tribunal overseen by Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson.
The urine test in March revealed he had taken cannabis and cocaine. Sir Stephen said he had been presented with 'incontrovertible evidence' of drug use and that Pc Sanderson's culpability 'must be regarded as high'.
Chief constable's ruling
Sir Stephen stated: "His actions were deliberate and carried out in the full knowledge that his conduct was contrary to that explicitly set forth in the GMP drug alcohol misuse policy." He described taking drugs as 'extremely unwise', as it 'must necessarily have involved a causal and corrupting association with a person or persons actively engaged in criminality'.
He added: "What is clear to me is that this episode reflects behaviours which are simply incompatible with the responsibilities inherent in the office of constable."
Warning to other officers
Sir Stephen said the 'heavy price' paid by Pc Sanderson for his 'catastrophic lack of judgement' should serve as a 'salutary lesson to all of those who are fortunate to hold the trusted office of constable'. He warned: "The use of illicit drugs will inevitably carry a similar consequence should any member of GMP be foolish enough to follow the example of the former PC Sanderson."
Pc Sanderson was sacked without notice and placed on the College of Policing's barred list.
