Tribunal dismisses claims of former Epsom policewoman (From Elmbridge Guardian)

Tribunal dismisses claims of former Epsom policewoman

1:20pm Monday 21st December 2009

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A former Epsom policewoman who was drummed out of the force over claims of dishonesty and cowardice has had her discrimination claims dismissed.

Alison Wheeler, now aged 40, was dismissed from Surrey Police in December 2007, after she was found to be incompetent as an officer and dismissed due to poor performance during her probationary period.

Following her dismissal, she lodged a complaint, but internal reviews were conducted by senior officers, all of which found she had been treated fairly and that her personal circumstances had not contributed to her dismissal.

She then claimed in an employment tribunal she had been a victim of ageism, sexism and bullying, but her claims have now been dismissed.

Miss Wheeler was accused of not acting quickly enough to help off-duty PC Rory Channon break up a late-night brawl between up to five youths outside Walton police station on October 13, 2007, and not using her CS spray.

When she protested about what happened, commanding officers claimed she lied and fired her, the tribunal heard.

During the hearing, she gave evidence about alleged chaotic practices in Epsom CID, with incompatible systems and hours spent travelling between Staines, Epsom, Walton and Guildford to collect and view CCTV.

On another occasion, she claimed she was shouted and sworn at when she questioned orders to arrest a 12-year-old girl on a bank holiday Monday.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Dyson, commenting on the verdict, said: “Far from discriminating against Ms Wheeler or writing off her potential at the first sign of weakness, we supported her – as we do with all new officers – and created an action plan to help her achieve her goal of becoming a police officer.

“Despite this, her poor performance continued during her probationary period and she failed to help a colleague who was being attacked and to uphold her duty to the public.

“Surrey Police values the diversity of our workforce and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their age, gender, social background or any other personal circumstances.

“However, we make no apologies for dismissing someone who was not suitable to be a police officer and will support managers in identifying and tackling underperformance.”

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