Thirty-one MPS officers face fines after barber attends police station
Thirty-one officers from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) are to be fined £200 for breaching Covid-19 regulations by having a haircut while on duty.
A statement issued by the force said that on Sunday, January 17, the officers had their hair cut by a professional barber while on duty at Bethnal Green police station in East London.
“A local investigation was launched and it has been decided the 31 police officers who had their hair cut should each face a £200 fixed penalty notice. Two officers, who were involved in organising the activity, have also been identified and notified they are under investigation for misconduct,” it added.
Local policing commander Detective Chief Superintendent Marcus Barnett said: “It is deeply disappointing and frustrating that my officers have fallen short of the expectation to uphold Covid-19 regulations. Although officers donated money to charity as part of the haircut, this does not excuse them from what was a very poor decision. I expect a lot more of them.
“It is right, therefore, officers should each face a £200 fine, as well as misconduct action for those two who organised this event.
“Quite rightly, the public expect police to be role models in following the regulations which are designed to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. I hope this action proves that police are not immune to enforcement of the rules, and we are prepared as an organisation to take action if we see officers have behaved irresponsibly.”
Earlier this month nine other MPS officers were fined £200 each for breaking lockdown restrictions by meeting in a café for breakfast.
