Wiltshire Police firearms instructor barred after misconduct

A Wiltshire Police firearms instructor has been barred from policing after a misconduct hearing heard how he lied about training officers.

PC Mat Hodge, of Wiltshire Police, committed gross misconduct when he failed to deliver a mandatory refresher training module in January 2024 as part of his role as a firearms instructor.

The hearing heard that, when questioned, he claimed the training at the Blackrock Training Centre in Bristol had been delivered, and that the officers involved could be signed off as having completed it.

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Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said the incident could have had “potentially serious consequences” for armed officers and residents.

Breached standards
“We should not underestimate how, due to the nature of the training not delivered, there could have been potentially serious consequences for armed police officers across our three policing regions and, more importantly, for residents too – who trust in the police to keep them safe,” PCC Philip Wilkinson said.

The gross misconduct hearing at Wiltshire Police Headquarters found the actions of PC Hodge breached the standards of professional behaviour for police officers of honesty and integrity, duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct.

He has been dismissed from the force without notice and placed on the national barred list.

Mr Wilkinson added: “I would like to reassure residents this training gap was spotted within days and the necessary training subsequently delivered to those officers affected.

“I am seeking reassurance from the Chief Constable that all necessary checks and balances within Wiltshire Police and Blackrock are in place to ensure something like this cannot happen again.”