Met Police Inspector Dismissed After Unauthorized High-Speed Drives
A senior Metropolitan Police inspector has been dismissed from the force following a disciplinary hearing that found him guilty of multiple instances of gross misconduct. Chief Inspector Andrew Du, based at the Central North Command Unit, was sacked after driving marked police cars at excessive speeds and activating blue lights and sirens without the required training or authorization.
Details of the Misconduct
The hearing, which concluded on Monday, February 23, established that Du drove police vehicles on numerous occasions while only holding a basic driver status. This status prohibits driving on blue lights or at excess speeds, putting both the public and fellow officers at significant risk. Additionally, Du misrepresented his driving qualifications to colleagues and managers, falsely claiming he was qualified to operate high-performance area cars.
In a further breach of integrity, Du asserted that he had previously served in the Met's firearms command, a claim that was entirely untrue. These actions were found to violate police standards of professional behavior related to honesty and integrity, orders and instructions, and discreditable conduct.
Official Response and Consequences
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in the Central North area, emphasized the seriousness of the misconduct. He stated, "Chief Inspector Du's actions fell far below the standard people rightly expect from Met officers. Londoners need to be able to trust that officers are qualified to carry out their roles safely and in accordance with training. Leaders in the Met must uphold the highest standards and lead by example."
The force determined that Du's behavior amounted to gross misconduct severe enough to warrant immediate dismissal. As a result, he will be placed on the barred list maintained by the College of Policing, which prevents his employment by police or related organizations in the future.
Broader Implications for Police Accountability
This case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and training within the Metropolitan Police. It underscores the critical importance of adhering to established protocols to ensure public safety and maintain trust in law enforcement. The dismissal serves as a stark reminder of the consequences for officers who fail to meet professional standards, particularly in roles involving high-risk activities.
