Police unit sacked for skiving

Published on 19/11/2012 01:38

AN ENTIRE south London neighbourhood police team has been axed after an internal investigation found some of the officers had been playing backgammon and poker, watching TV and cleaning golf clubs while on duty.

Seven officers resigned or were dismissed from the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Bromley, south-east London. Three of the officers were also charged with criminal offences.

In a statement, the Met said: “The disciplinary panel heard evidence that officers from the team had played backgammon and poker whilst on duty, watched TV in the office, frequently failed to go out on patrol, had not worked full tours of duty and also claimed overtime that had not been worked.”