Special Constable Barred from Policing for Taking Incapacitant Spray Home and Dishonesty

A special constable has been prohibited from police service subsequent to taking an incapacitant spray, which is categorized as a firearm, to his residence following a shift. The Nottinghamshire Police force reported that Rachid Sghiar, who had served as a volunteer with them since May 2022, was discovered to have stored his PAVA spray, an item comparable to pepper spray, at his home. The force further explained that PAVA’s classification as a firearm under the Firearms Act mandates its storage in an approved locker by an officer when they are not on duty. During an accelerated gross misconduct hearing held on Wednesday, a ruling determined that Mr Sghiar had violated police behavioural standards concerning honesty and integrity, as well as engaging in discreditable conduct. Consequently, he was added to the barred list. The hearing also concluded that the volunteer officer would have faced dismissal from the force had he not already tendered his resignation. Special constables possess identical powers, uniforms, and responsibilities as their paid counterparts, but they contribute their service on a part-time, voluntary basis. The misconduct panel additionally heard testimony indicating that following the special constable’s suspension from the force and a request to relinquish his warrant card, he concealed it and asserted it was lost. It was subsequently discovered that the warrant card was located at his home address, and he had attempted to keep it hidden from officers who sought to retrieve it. The force specified that the events prompting the hearing transpired between January and June this year. Deputy Chief Constable Steve Cooper commented: “This special constable’s conduct resulted in PAVA spray being held in an unsecure location at his home.” He added: “The policy is very clear, and his actions are likely to seriously undermine public confidence in the police service.” Cooper further stated: “His conduct was also fundamentally dishonest when he was asked to return his warrant card.” He concluded: “All officers must display the highest standards of behaviour to ensure the public have complete trust and confidence in them, and this applies to special constables too.”