GMP constable sacked after colleagues noticed 'her appearance and smell'

A Greater Manchester Police constable working as a radio dispatcher in the force control room failed a breath test for alcohol while on duty and was later convicted of drink-driving.

Police colleagues of Amanda Cocks raised concerns about her 'appearance and the smell of intoxicants' after she arrived for work at GMP headquarters. A now-published judgement released after a misconduct hearing reveals she was removed from her desk and later charged with the offence.

She was said to have 'consumed a significant quantity of alcohol' and 'presented herself as fit to conduct her duties, which have a direct relevance to the safety of both the public and police officers'.

The key and trusted role includes deploying officers and resources to scenes after 999 calls, providing updates to and liaising with other emergency services, and carrying out background checks on people to inform officers. Ms Cocks has now been sacked.

The judgement reveals she was found guilty after a trial held at Sefton magistrates court in July of 'driving with excess alcohol in her system'. She was fined £500 and disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Ms Cocks was said to have driven into force HQ then started work as a radio dispatcher in the Force Control Room.

The judgement reads: "On the information of colleagues and supervisors within the Force Control Room as to the officer's appearance and the smell of intoxicants, arrangements were made for the officer to be breathalysed. Following a positive result, the officer was arrested and removed from the workplace where she was later charged with the offence of drink driving."

GMP Chief Constable Stephen Watson, who presided over the misconduct hearing, said: "The officer, having consumed a