Bedfordshire police sergeant dismissed for drink-driving in Batford

A sergeant has been dismissed from Bedfordshire Police for drink-driving while off-duty in Batford.

Tau Chamboko, who had 16 years’ unblemished service with the police force, was stopped by officers at around 10pm on November 9 last year, after he overtook them in wet conditions.

A roadside breath test showed that Chamboko had 58 micrograms of alcohol in his system per 100ml of breath - well over the legal limit of 35. He claimed to be unwell and was taken to hospital, where he gave a urine sample six hours after being stopped and was found to be still over the limit.

Chamboko was charged with drink-driving and pleaded guilty at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on February 8. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £643.

A special case hearing was held at Bedfordshire Police HQ on Tuesday, April 9. Chomboko was found to have breached professional standards for ‘discreditable conduct and integrity’ due to feigning illness after his arrest.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher dismissed him without notice.

He said: “It is of great sadness that an officer of your standing is lost to policing. But it is my responsibility to deal with this matter properly and clearly the public, and your peers, would lose confidence in Bedfordshire Police if you were to remain as a warranted officer.

“I have no doubt that you attempted to avoid the drink drive specimen procedure. Officers and medical staff had to deal with your antics and behaviour, when they may have been needed for far more serious issues.

“I do absolutely accept and acknowledge your excellent service as a police office and expected great things for your future.

“I couldn’t be more disappointed by this entire episode.”