A FORMER detective chief inspector at Manchester Police has been placed on the College of Policing Barred List after he failed a drugs test.
Former Detective Chief Inspector James Faulkner was dismissed today, January 9, by Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson QPM at an accelerated misconduct hearing, following an investigation by the Professional Standards Directorate (PSD).
The Chief Constable concluded that Mr Faulkner was guilty of gross misconduct and would have been sacked had he not already resigned after it proven that he failed a drugs test in March 2025.
The former detective chief inspector tested positive for a class C substance, namely anabolic steroids.
Mr Faulkner was a detective chief inspector on the Public Protection Governance Unit at the time of the drugs test but resigned prior to today’s hearing.
Chief Constable Watson said: “This episode reflects behaviours which are simply incompatible with the responsibilities of being a police officer.
“He held a senior rank but failed to live up to that role – his conduct falls squarely into that which rightly causes a loss of trust amongst the public.
“He has paid a heavy price for a catastrophic lack of judgement which should serve as a salutary lesson to all those fortunate to hold the trusted office of police constable.”
Mr Faulkner accepted his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct but did not attend today’s hearing.
Detective Superintendent Carl Gilbert, who oversaw the PSD investigation, said: “Police officers, whether on or off duty, are required to behave in manner which does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence in it.
“The misuse of anabolic steroids by a serving police officer is unacceptable and risks undermining public confidence in our workforce, the vast majority of whom are hard-working and professional people.
“We’ve been very clear with officers, staff and the public that the GMP of today is upholding the highest of standards, and where such standards are breached then we will take necessary action.”
Reports are sourced from official documents, law-enforcement updates, and credible investigations.
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