Special Constable (SC) Shteryu Shterev of the Metropolitan Police has been dismissed from duty after misusing his police warrant card to exit a train station.

The incident occurred when SC Shterev, who was off duty at the time, took a Thameslink train from London Bridge to East Croydon. Upon arriving at East Croydon, he attempted to use his police warrant card to exit through the gate.

The station staff member manning the gate, under the impression that SC Shterev wanted him to open the gate due to his warrant card, refused to do so, explaining that he could not exit using the card. This exchange led to SC Shterev becoming rude to the staff member.

Following this encounter, SC Shterev went to the excess fare window to voice his complaint. There, he showed both a City of London ID pass and a Metropolitan Police ID to the staff. However, when the staff member left to seek advice on the rules governing police travel, SC Shterev departed the scene.

During a subsequent misconduct hearing, SC Shterev admitted to misunderstanding the regulations regarding the use of a police-issued Oyster card and warrant card.

The misconduct panel stated, “The police free travel concession is a great privilege, and with privileges come responsibilities. Police officers must understand what their obligations and responsibilities are and must never abuse their privileges.

As a result of his actions, SC Shterev was found guilty of breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour concerning Honesty and Integrity and Discreditable Conduct. Consequently, he was dismissed from his role as a Special Constable without notice.

The case serves as a reminder that all police officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, even when off duty, to maintain public trust and confidence in the police force.