Sussex Police Officer Dismissed After Misconduct Hearing

A Sussex Police officer has been dismissed without notice following multiple proven allegations of gross misconduct.

Ex-PC Samuel Smith, who was based in Worthing, faced nine allegations during a week-long misconduct hearing that concluded on Friday, November 10.

The charges, covering the period from March to June 2023, included making false and inaccurate entries on police systems, failing to investigate crimes properly, being dishonest with supervisors and colleagues, and drawing and pointing his TASER without justification.

The panel found all but one allegation proven. The claim that Smith made inappropriate comments about domestic abuse to a colleague was not upheld.

Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme said:

"Honesty and integrity sit at the heart of everything we do as police officers.

"The public must trust that we act professionally and with decency in all situations.

"Ex-PC Smith’s misconduct shows a complete disregard for these responsibilities and demonstrates he was wholly unsuited to the profession. He has rightly been removed from duty, and I hope his actions do not overshadow the extraordinary work carried out by the vast majority of our officers."

Under the Police (Conduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, misconduct hearings are now chaired by a police chief officer, with two independent panel members appointed by the local policing body to ensure impartiality and public representation.

These changes apply to proceedings issued on or after May 7, 2024.