Police Sergeant Found Guilty of Gross Misconduct for Attempting to Retrieve Confiscated Drugs

A misconduct panel was informed that an off-duty police sergeant attempted to deceive a doorman into returning a packet of cocaine that had been seized from the officer’s associate. Sergeant Steven Smith was present in Liverpool city centre for a stag celebration when, on 24 August 2023, security personnel at Soho bar in Concert Square searched his friend. The Merseyside Police officer then presented his warrant card, asserting that an operation was underway to “test” the establishment, and persistently requested the return of the bag containing white powder. Mr. Smith tendered his resignation prior to a misconduct hearing; however, he was still found culpable of gross misconduct, a finding that would have resulted in his dismissal from the force had he not resigned. The independent disciplinary panel was informed that Mr. Smith conveyed to the doorman that the packet of white powder consisted of “fake drugs” and that the bar had “passed the test.” Nevertheless, the door staff indicated that the packet would be secured in a strong box for collection by licensing officers from Merseyside Police. Subsequent testing of the white powder confirmed it contained cocaine. Although Mr. Smith did not appear at the hearing following his resignation, he had presented his defense during previous proceedings. He asserted that he had been engaged in drinking games with friends, which included a forfeit where salt was poured into the loser’s drink, and that he genuinely thought the packet held salt his friend had brought for this activity. In a written judgment, the panel dismissed Mr. Smith’s account of the events, concluding that he had “abused his position of trust.” They stated: “The officer was a sergeant and therefore someone who should have been setting an example to other officers. “By producing his warrant card Sgt Smith put himself on duty and sought to exercise his police powers in bad faith for the benefit of his friend.” This ruling signifies that Mr. Smith will be added to the College of Policing barred list, thereby preventing him from future employment in any policing capacity. Detective Chief Superintendent Sabi Kaur, who heads professional standards for the force, commented: “I hope that the result of the hearing sends a clear message that we simply will not tolerate this type of behaviour from our officers and staff.”