An off-duty police officer who was rude and abusive to door staff, a council warden and other police officers on a stag do has been given a final written warning.
PC Christopher Wagstaff attended a gross misconduct hearing on Thursday 28 August at Force HQ at Sherwood Lodge. The hearing was chaired by Derbyshire’s Chief Constable Rachel Swann, with one independent panel member.
It was open to both the press and the public.
The hearing heard how PC Wagstaff, who is based at Newark Police Station, was on a night out with friends on 8 February 2025.
He attempted to enter a pub in Lincoln but was refused entry.
Rather than walking away, he told door staff words to the effect: ‘I know the policy mate, you’ve got no use of force powers.’
When a street warden intervened and placed his left arm between PC Wagstaff and the member of door staff, he used threatening language and said words to the effect: ‘touch me again, I’ll put you to the floor and arrest you.’
PC Wagstaff, who has been a police officer since June 2023, refused to leave the area and police have been called.
He was then rude towards the attending officers when told to walk away by replying with words to the effect of ‘maybe when you’ve had more service than me you can say that.’
Nottinghamshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate carried out a thorough investigation and found that he breached the following standards of behaviour – discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy.
PC Wagstaff said that his behaviour was “unacceptable” and he felt “ashamed.” He apologised for what he had said to those on the day.
He described himself as “very drunk.”
He was handed a final written warning for his behaviour, which will remain in place for three years.
Nottinghamshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin said:
“The public have high expectations of police officers, and whether on or off duty, it’s anticipated that they abide by these standards of professional behaviour.
“Wagstaff’s actions that night fell below those standards and such behaviour will be challenged and dealt with to ensure the public’s trust and confidence in our officers is maintained.
“This is also a timely reminder for all of our officers that we expect them to conduct themselves to the highest standards of service around the clock.”
