Special constable who carried imitation firearm in public committed gross misconduct
Former special constable Matthew Fincham was found to have committed gross misconduct. Picture: Met Police - Credit: Archant
A former special constable who carried an imitation weapon in public has been found to have committed gross misconduct.
A special case hearing found that Matthew Fincham, who was attached to the North East command unit - which covers Newham and Waltham Forest - had breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct.
He had resigned in advance of the hearing but had he still been a serving officer, he would have been dismissed without notice.
Fincham had pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm in a public place at Snaresbrook Crown Court in June.
He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and required to pay a victim surcharge of £115.
Special constables are volunteer police officers who serve for a minimum of 16 hours a month.
They wear the same uniform and have the same powers and responsibilities as regular police officers.