NCA Sacks Five Firearms Trainers for Gross Misconduct
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has slammed the door on five firearms trainers caught up in a gross misconduct scandal. An investigation by the NCA’s Professional Standards Unit uncovered that these officers falsified firearms training records between December 2021 and July 2022.
Trainers Dismissed or Resigned Amid Probe
Upholding strict standards, the NCA swiftly dismissed the five culprits. Another three trainers quit ahead of disciplinary panels. Of the remaining officers, two were also dismissed, while one received a formal written warning.
Deputy Director Nigel Leary said: “To protect the public from serious crime, we must root out misconduct and ensure only the right people work here.”
Despite the purge, the NCA insists it can still train firearms officers and respond to threats without missing a beat.
Separate Misconduct Case Ends with CPS Drop
In a related story, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to pursue charges against a former NCA officer accused of misconduct in public office from incidents dating back to October 2018. The officer quit during the 2019 investigation.
The NCA’s Anti-Corruption Unit led the probe before handing it over to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Although the CPS dropped the case, the NCA is still weighing internal disciplinary action.
Nigel Leary reiterated the agency’s zero tolerance stance: “We are clear on conduct standards, encourage reporting misconduct, and swiftly remove those unfit to serve.”
