In a significant development, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has taken decisive action against five firearms trainers who were found guilty of gross misconduct. The NCA’s Professional Standards Unit conducted a thorough investigation into allegations that these officers had falsified records related to firearms training between December 2021 and July 2022.

The agency’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and conduct led to the dismissal of the five officers. Additionally, three other trainers chose to resign before their disciplinary panels convened. Of the remaining officers, two faced dismissals, while one received a first written warning.

NCA Deputy Director Nigel Leary emphasised the agency’s mission to protect the public from serious and organised crime. He stated, “To achieve this effectively, it is essential that we root out misconduct and ensure that only the right individuals work within our ranks.”

Despite these dismissals, the NCA’s capacity to train firearms officers and respond operationally remains unaffected.

Separate Case at Liverpool Crown Court

In a separate case, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to proceed with the prosecution of a former NCA officer charged with two counts of Misconduct in a Public Office. The charges stemmed from incidents in October 2018 when the individual was an operational officer within the NCA. The officer resigned during the investigation in May 2019.

The NCA’s Anti-Corruption Unit conducted the initial misconduct investigation, which was subsequently referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for further examination. Although the CPS discontinued the case, the agency will explore disciplinary options in consultation with its partners.

The CPS’s decision followed the dismissal of a prosecution witness—one of the five officers who had been removed from their roles as firearms trainers.

Nigel Leary reiterated the NCA’s commitment to maintaining high standards: “We continue to make clear the level of conduct required of our officers, making it easier for them to report misconduct and ensuring that those unsuitable to work at the NCA are identified and removed.”