Kent Police Officers Faked Illness to Pursue Cruise Ship Careers
Two police constables from Kent Police deceived their superiors by falsely claiming to be sick with influenza, allowing them to attend a training course aimed at preparing for careers on cruise ships. PC Ben Matthews and PC Alex Tribe were exposed after images of their participation in the programme surfaced on social media platforms.
Misconduct Proceedings and Resignations
Although both officers had already resigned from Kent Police prior to the misconduct hearings held earlier this month, authorities stated unequivocally that had they still been employed, they would have been summarily dismissed. The proceedings took place at the Kent Police Force Headquarters in Maidstone, overseen by Assistant Chief Officer Andrew Pritchard, with neither officer in attendance.
PC Matthews, with 13 years of service, held a coveted position within a proactive targeting team in the tactical operations group. At the time of his fabricated illness, he was assigned to a critical murder investigation. PC Tribe, boasting eight years of experience, worked alongside him in the same unit, both stationed at Coldharbour Station in Aylesford, Kent.
Details of the Deception
According to the official report, the case was straightforward: both officers admitted to dishonesty in reporting sickness in January 2025 when they were actually enrolled in an external training course. PC Tribe secured her spot on the course on December 17, 2024, and called in sick with flu for the initial days of the event, with the remainder coinciding with her scheduled rest days.
PC Matthews initially requested time off for childcare reasons for the first day of the course, then subsequently reported sick with flu for the remaining duration. The report highlighted that the course from January 20 to January 24 was not a unique opportunity, as other dates were available throughout the year.
Defence and Mitigating Circumstances
In their defence, both officers acknowledged misconduct but contested the classification as gross misconduct. They asserted that they were genuinely unwell, albeit with stress rather than influenza. PC Tribe cited deteriorating mental health and feelings of workplace bullying, presenting evidence of raised concerns in October 2024. Similarly, PC Matthews claimed to be a victim of bullying, unfair treatment, and excessive working hours.
However, the report countered these claims, noting positive performance reviews and commendations for PC Tribe, and pointed out that PC Matthews had successfully obtained leave for childcare, undermining his assertion that requesting time off was impossible. Assistant Chief Officer Pritchard concluded that PC Matthews likely planned to report sick from the outset, given his actions.
Findings and Consequences
The misconduct panel determined that the officers' actions constituted gross misconduct, characterized by premeditation and conspiracy, as they coordinated their sick leave and course attendance. The report emphasized the severe damage to public trust and the reputation of Kent Police, exacerbated by the social media exposure of their attendance.
It stated, 'The public would be appalled to think that officers could act with such obvious disdain for rules, lying to serve their own purposes and failing duty. This has caused actual harm to the profession of policing.' The officers had sufficient annual leave available but neglected to submit formal requests, further aggravating their misconduct.
