§ 33. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is taken after conviction in a court following a breathalyser test in respect of those serving in the police forces and fire brigades.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganUnder the Police and the Fire Service Discipline Regulations, this is a matter within the discretion of the respective chief officers.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsCan the hon. Gentleman assure the House that there will be no second punishment for the one crime committed, and will he give instructions to see that that is so?
§ Mr. MorganPerhaps I should explain that criminal conduct—that is to say, where an officer has been found guilty by a court of law of a criminal offence—is a specific offence under the Police (Discipline) Regulations, 1965. A disciplinary charge would not, however, follow automatically as a result of a court conviction. It is for chief constables, who have discretion in the matter, to decide whether a disciplinary charge should be brought. The situation with regard to the Fire Service closely approximates that with regard to the police.