§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the policy of the Metropolitan police on breathalysing officers involved in accidents when driving police vehicles.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that police officers who are involved in vehicle accidents, whether on or off duty, are required to undergo a breath test whenever there is reason to believe that they have consumed alcohol prior to the accident.
§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Metropolitan police officers were breathalysed while on duty in 1986; and in how many cases the test was positive.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that details of the number of breath tests administered to police officers and the results are not recorded separately. However, in 1982 two Metropolitan police officers were convicted for drink-drive offences committed while on duty.
§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any Metropolitan police officers were (a) dismissed or (b) disciplined for drinking while on duty in 1986.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggIn disciplinary proceedings completed in 1986, two officers were found guilty of the police discipline code offence of drinking on duty. One who was at the same time found guilty of criminal conduct, in that he had been convicted by a court of a drink-driving offence, was required to resign from the force as an alternative to dismissal. The other was awarded a lesser penalty.