Met Police Commander Dismissed After 5-Year Suspension on Full Pay
Prolonged Misconduct Case Sparks Outrage Over Public Funds
Key Facts:
- Commander Julian Bennett suspended since July 2020
- Received full salary during 5-year disciplinary process
- Ultimately dismissed for refusing drug test
- Case highlights systemic delays in police misconduct procedures
The Controversial Timeline
Commander Julian Bennett has been permanently dismissed from the Metropolitan Police following an unusually prolonged misconduct process that lasted nearly five years. The senior officer had been suspended on full pay since July 2020 after refusing to provide a sample for a mandatory drugs test.
Case Milestones:
- 2020: Suspended after refusing drug test
- 2023: Initially dismissed but won appeal
- 2024: Final dismissal after second hearing
“A Waste of Public Funds”
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist expressed significant concern about the case duration, stating:
“I am enormously concerned that almost five years since this incident happened we have only now been able to dismiss Cdr Bennett. This should have been a simple matter.”
The Met acknowledged public frustration, noting Bennett never disputed refusing the lawful drug test order.
Failed Appeals and Legal Challenges
The case took numerous twists:
- First dismissal in October 2023
- Successful appeal to Police Appeals Tribunal
- New hearing ordered due to procedural issues
- Final dismissal confirmed in 2024
The Met considered a judicial review before opting for a fresh misconduct hearing.
The Evidence and Allegations
While the panel rejected claims of daily ******** use before breakfast, they found Bennett violated professional standards by:
- Refusing a lawful drug test order
- Breaching honesty and integrity standards
- Violating orders/instructions protocols
Bennett claimed he avoided testing due to CBD use for facial palsy treatment, fearing false positives.
Systemic Reform Promised
Assistant Commissioner Twist pledged improvements:
“Greater use of accelerated misconduct hearings will allow us to dismiss officers far more quickly when evidence is irrefutable. I’m confident such prolonged cases won’t recur.”
Career Consequences
Following dismissal, Bennett will be:
- Added to College of Policing’s barred list
- Permanently ineligible for police employment
- Barred from police-related organizations
This case highlights ongoing challenges in police accountability and the financial implications of prolonged misconduct procedures.
