Surrey Police Sergeant Faces Final Warning for Card Machine Incident

A Surrey Police officer has received a final written warning for taking and concealing a pub’s card machine during an off-duty incident in London. Special Sergeant Graham Farmer, who has been with Surrey Police for 15 years, was caught on CCTV at The Audley pub in Mayfair in June 2022.

While waiting to be served, Sgt Farmer picked up the card reader from the bar and hid it behind his back. He left the pub still carrying the device and was later observed placing it in a plant pot outside. Following an investigation, the Chief of Surrey Constabulary deemed Farmer’s actions serious enough to warrant dismissal.

On September 3, 2023, a police misconduct hearing panel reviewed the case and decided against termination, opting instead for a final written warning. The panel characterized Farmer’s actions as “deliberate and intentional,” emphasizing that they violated the standards of honesty and integrity expected from police officers.

During the hearing, Farmer claimed he intended to pay and had picked up the card reader to demonstrate his willingness to do so. However, the panel found his explanation implausible, noting that CCTV footage showed him concealing the card machine immediately, out of sight of the bar staff.

Despite having received commendations throughout his career, Farmer acknowledged that he should have returned the card reader but denied any intent to hide it. The panel, however, deemed his account “lacked credibility.”

While the pub did not suffer any financial loss, the panel expressed concern that the incident could undermine public trust in law enforcement, particularly as Farmer had identified himself as a police officer in the establishment.

As a result of the ruling, Farmer will remain within the police force but will be under a final written warning for three years. Should he breach this warning, he may face dismissal from his position.