Axe for police unit who played poker on duty
An entire neighbourhood policing team has been axed after an internal investigation found some of the officers had been playing backgammon and poker, watching television and cleaning golf clubs while on duty.
Seven officers in total resigned or were dismissed from the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Mottingham and Chislehurst North, in south-east London.
The disciplinary action followed an undercover operation in 2010.
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Hide AdOne sergeant and a Pc were sacked after a disciplinary panel found them guilty of gross misconduct. Another Pc and three community support officers resigned, while a fourth was dismissed. Three of the officers were also charged with criminal offences.
Commander Allan Gibson said: “These officers let the whole of the service down with their behaviour; but more importantly they let down their local community.”