"PC Stowers first informed her line manager that she could not return to work in person in 2023. She was referred to occupational health and was granted flexibility to work from home while she sought treatment. But in April this year, her line manager found an Instagram account called "Jennifer Stowers Tan" which advertised tanning services, with a post dated May 2023 stating she was "happy to travel" to clients' homes, the hearing was told."
"Cdr Katie Lilburn, who chaired the hearing, said: "The officer has lied to her line manager and operational health about the extent of her mental health issues... for her own benefit. "What she said to her line manager and occupational health is entirely inconsistent with her posts on Instagram, which prove that she was able to attend a variety of social functions.""
"During the same period, she performed her police duties from home, having claimed she could not attend work in person due to mental health issues. The misconduct hearing in Sutton, south London, found PC Stowers breached standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct, honesty and integrity, and duties and responsibilities, and that her actions amounted to gross misconduct. PC Stowers first informed her line manager that she could not return to work in person in 2023."
PC Jennifer Stowers, based with the Central West Command Unit, operated a spray-tanning business via an Instagram account 'Jennifer Stowers Tan' between 18 May 2023 and 2 April 2025. She offered services for weddings, parties, hen dos and private home visits and claimed a 2024 GB Beauty Award. During the same period she performed police duties from home after telling her line manager she could not attend in person due to mental health and was granted occupational health flexibility. A misconduct hearing found she lied to her line manager and occupational health, breached standards of professional behaviour, and committed gross misconduct, resulting in dismissal.
Read at www.bbc.com
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