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A Met police officer, Cdr Julian Bennett, has been the center of controversy as it was revealed that he spent a whopping five years on full pay while suspended from duty. The Metropolitan Police expressed their dismay at the extended disciplinary process, stating that the public funds were wasted during this period. Bennett was initially dismissed in October 2023, but he contested the decision, leading to a new hearing being ordered.
The disciplinary process finally came to a conclusion when a second panel found the allegation of gross misconduct against Bennett to be proven. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist condemned Bennett for his lack of cooperation, noting that he knew the consequences of his actions and still chose not to comply with the drug test. The extended duration of the case was a cause of concern for Twist, who emphasized the need for expedited misconduct hearings for cases with clear evidence.
During the initial disciplinary panel, allegations of Bennett smoking cannabis while off-duty and providing an untrue explanation for his refusal to take the drug test were not proven. Despite Bennett claiming he was taking CBD for medical reasons, the panel found him guilty of breaching professional standards. Following the new misconduct hearing and subsequent dismissal, Bennett will now be added to the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing him from being employed by any police-related bodies.
The prolonged case of Cdr Julian Bennett has sparked conversations about expediting the disciplinary process within the Metropolitan Police to prevent such extensive periods of paid suspension. The case highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity and following directives within the police force, as failure to do so can have serious consequences. Moving forward, it is expected that the Met will implement measures to streamline misconduct hearings and ensure timely resolutions for cases involving serious breaches of professional standards
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