Sussex police fined a sergeant and nine other constables £200 on-the-spot after finding them at an illegal lockdown bash in the Spring, it has been revealed.
After reports that a house party was held with up to 30 people at Hove’s large house on May 15th, just days after lockdown restrictions had been lifted, police were dispatched.
The householder unknowingly opened the door and officers from Sussex Police saw several colleagues on duty drinking and eating in the home, which was against Covid regulations.
While another officer received a written warning, the sergeant was offered reflective practice. This requires that they think critically about what happened and then make improvements.
The ten officers were issued Fixed Penalty Notifications in violation of the Health Protection Coronavirus Regulations for Indoor Gatherings.
They were described by the force as a major embarrassment.
Sussex police fined a sergeant and nine other constables £200 on-the-spot after finding them at an illegal lockdown bash in the Spring in Hove, Sussex (pictured)
Rachel Carr, detective superintendent said that Covid-related offenses are being taken very seriously. This behavior is not acceptable and will be dealt with accordingly.
Coronavirus regulations at the time stated that people shouldn’t mix with other households or related families.
In June, a source said: ‘The party was quite a loud affair with music, alcohol and food and lots of guests having a great time.
“The officers responding must have been shocked to find that the party had been packed with colleagues on the day off.”
‘To find that a load of serving police officers are being ‘Covidiots’ is a major embarrassment for the force, especially as they have been handing out these draconian £10,000 fines to Covid rule-breakers.
“People will monitor to see if the same sanctions are applied to all those who break the rules.”
According to Sussex Police spokesperson, the following was said at that time: “Police officers were dispatched to Hove after reports of an insider gathering on Saturday, May 15th, 08:46pm.”
“They found several off-duty officers in the room and entered.” The force’s professional standard department is currently investigating the incident.
Nick May, chief superintendent of Covid enforcements, said they were being taken seriously
Chief Superintendent Nick May declared that Covid-related violations are being taken very seriously. He also stated, “We actively investigate this matter.
“The investigation is continuing and the officers in question have not been removed.”
For those who were caught with illegal activities during lockdown, the Sussex Police issued several fines.
Police cracked down on the organisers of several parties in Sussex between September and November handing out £10,000 fines.
In January, officers broke up a party of more than 100 people at University of Sussex halls of residence and handed out £200 fines.
Also that month, a music producer was handed a £10,000 fine after organising a gathering of about 30 people in Eastbourne.