Yahoo News Police driver ‘faces the sack for knocking over suspected moped thief’
A police driver could face the sack for knocking over a suspected thief who was on a moped, it has been reported.
The Sun said the Metropolitan Police officer will go before a disciplinary panel today that will decide his fate.
He is accused of driving his police vehicle into the path of a moped being ridden by a 17-year-old suspect in south London in May 2017.
The incident followed the introduction of tougher measures to crack down on moped crime, including so-called “hard stops”, allowing police to knock suspects off their rides with their cars.
Prime minister Theresa May has previously called the tactic “right”.
It is believed the teenage suspect was not seriously injured in the incident.
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However, the case was investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct - one of three examined by the body.
The IOPC recommended gross misconduct proceedings against the officer - his case is being heard on Tuesday.
There are concerns among police officers that they have no legal protection for using the “hard stop” tactic on suspected moped thieves.
Police say the tactic has cut moped crime by almost half in the capital since it was introduced.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the hearing is taking place but declined to comment until after the outcome.
Met Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh told The Sun: “What message does this case send?
“We believe this officer acted within guidelines, but is being fed to the wolves. It’s not right.”
