A former Metropolitan Police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct after attempting to tamper with a drugs test before testing positive for cocaine. PC Adam McNicholas, who resigned from the force prior to a disciplinary hearing, was found to have taken cocaine within 72 hours of the test, according to medical analysis.
The incident occurred on October 14, 2022, when McNicholas was subjected to a random drugs test. A doctor confirmed there was no valid medical reason for the positive result, and the panel concluded that the officer had used cocaine in the days leading up to the test.
Attempt to Tamper With Test
The misconduct panel heard that McNicholas initially attempted to sabotage the test by contaminating the urine sample. During the first attempt, he failed to provide enough urine and reportedly tried to tamper with the collection pot. He was then escorted back to the office, given water, and asked to complete the test again. The second sample tested positive for cocaine.
McNicholas later contested the validity of the test, claiming the testing environment was unsuitable and that the sample pot had been rinsed under a tap, making it non-sterile. He also argued that he wasn’t offered a re-test or the option to have the sample independently analyzed.
However, the disciplinary panel rejected these claims, concluding that McNicholas had tried to manipulate the test and that his actions constituted gross misconduct.
Panel’s Verdict and Sanctions
In its findings, the panel stated:
“The gravity of PC McNicholas’ behaviour means that I do not consider that any sanction less than dismissal without notice is justified. As such, my decision is that PC McNicholas would have been dismissed without notice if he were still serving and placed on the College of Policing’s barred list.”
Since McNicholas resigned before the hearing, he avoided formal dismissal but has now been added to the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing him from working in law enforcement in the future.
Met Police Response
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said:
“We expect the highest standards of integrity from our officers, and there is zero tolerance for drug use within the force. PC McNicholas’ actions were completely unacceptable and undermined public trust in the police. The panel’s decision to bar him from policing reflects the seriousness of his misconduct.”
The incident has further fueled concerns about misconduct within the Met, which has been under increased scrutiny over recent years for a series of high-profile disciplinary cases
