A POLICE officer who lied about smoking cannabis while trying to join another force has been dismissed for gross misconduct.

Special constable Steven Zajko, based in Thurrock, applied to join Avon and Somerset police in April this year.

A special case hearing chaired by chief constable Stephen Kavanagh heard Zajko provided a hair sample and told the force he had not consumed any illegal drugs.

However, the results of a hair analysis were consistent with the use of cannabis between December 2015 and mid-April 2016.

During an interview in September, he admitted he had smoked cannabis in March or April 2016.

The hearing found Zajko had breached the standards of professional behaviour in the areas of discreditable conduct and honesty and integrity.

After the hearing, Mr Kavanagh said: "I have taken into consideration the personal circumstances of the special constable in this case.

"However, officers are expected to deal with those who take drugs as part of their daily responsibilities, so the smoking of cannabis compromises both the standards and reputation of the police service.

"Public confidence in the police is a matter of the utmost importance.

"SC Zajko showed clear dishonesty by lying during the drugs test procedure.

"The test was part of a process designed to ensure potential policing recruits have the right character to become a police officer, and sadly he was prepared to lie to undermine that process.”