Sussex detective dismissed from the force after breaching standards of professional behaviour

A police officer has been dismissed without notice after having an allegation of breaching standards of professional behaviour proven against her.

Detective Constable Karen Colbran, 52, based at Eastbourne, was found guilty of fraud in respect of dishonestly claiming a single occupancy discount on council tax when she was not the sole occupier of her property. This followed an investigation and prosecution by Wealden District Council.

She pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury on February 11 following a three-day trial. She will be sentenced on 25 March.

DC Colbran was the subject of an accelerated misconduct hearing chaired by the Chief Constable at Sussex Police Headquarters, Lewes, on Friday 18 March.

An accelerated misconduct hearing is held when there is incontrovertible evidence and it is in the public interest to remove the officer from service without delay.

She faced an allegation of breaching standards of professional behaviour in respect of Discreditable Conduct in relation to being convicted of a criminal offence.

The allegation against DC Colbran was found to be proven by Chief Constable Jo Shiner, with a decision that she be dismissed.

CC Jo Shiner said: "We expect our officers to act with the upmost integrity, and in accordance with the force’s values, the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

“The actions of this officer fell short of that and in accordance with the College of Policing guidance, she has been dismissed without notice.”