Former Police Sergeant Disqualified After Underage Alcohol Purchase and Conduct Breach

Sgt Paul Clarke, a former officer with Nottinghamshire Police, has been prohibited from working in the profession following an incident where he purchased alcoholic beverages for a 16-year-old girl at a pub. The event occurred on 11 March 2023, while Sgt Clarke, now retired, was off-duty and socialising with a group he knew. During a misconduct hearing conducted at the force’s headquarters on Friday, it was revealed that Mr Clarke had retired on medical grounds subsequent to the allegations surfacing. The panel determined that he had neglected his duties and responsibilities, concluding that dismissal would have been the outcome had he remained employed by the force. The panel also heard that Mr Clarke was cognizant of another woman possessing cannabis while they were drinking together, yet he failed to intervene. Although he denied this claim, the panel established his awareness after reviewing CCTV footage from within the pub. The force stated that Mr Clarke violated its standards of professional behaviour, specifically those pertaining to honesty and integrity, and exhibited “discreditable conduct”. Chief Constable Kate Meynell described the officer’s actions as “unacceptable.” She further commented: “Officers must ensure they maintain the exceptionally high standards expected of them whether they are on or off duty.”This officer purchased alcoholic drinks for a minor and allowed someone to commit a criminal offence such as being in possession of cannabis and failed to act.”