Sign in Subscribe
Police officers

"Irresponsible" Off-Duty Police Officer Convicted of Drink-Driving, Fails to Meet Policing Standards

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A probationary police officer, PC Phelps, was found guilty of drink-driving while off-duty after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, putting others at risk on the roads. Phelps, who was still in his probationary period, was stopped by officers from West Mercia Police on April 9, and a roadside breath test revealed he had 60 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms. He was arrested, charged, and pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on May 21. Phelps received a 12-month driving ban, a £120 fine, and costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • PC Phelps, a probationary police officer, was convicted of drink-driving while off-duty, breaching policing standards of professional behavior.
  • Phelps had a roadside breath test reading of 60 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
  • He was arrested, charged, and pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on May 21.
  • Phelps received a 12-month driving ban, a £120 fine, and costs.
  • He was deemed to have violated the standards of professional behavior concerning discreditable conduct, specifically for gross misconduct.
  • Phelps acknowledged his unacceptable behavior and its impact on public trust and confidence in policing.
  • The incident highlights the importance of upholding the law and setting a good example for the community, particularly for police officers.

Statistics:

  • 60 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath (Phelps' roadside breath test reading)
  • 35 micrograms (the legal limit for breath alcohol concentration)
  • 12 months (driving ban duration)
  • £120 (fine amounts)
  • £ (costs associated with the court case)
  • One (number of probationary years Phelps had served with the force)
  • August (month Phelps quit before facing his disciplinary hearing)

Sources:

  • Birmingham Live
  • Chief Constable of West Midlands Police Craig Guildford

Read more