A former Cheshire Police constable, known for his appearances in the Channel 5 series Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders, has been permanently banned from rejoining the police force due to serious misconduct involving inappropriate, sexist, and racist messages.
Background of the Case
PC Andrew Doran, who was a key figure in the popular documentary series that began airing in 2021, was found guilty of gross misconduct after sending, receiving, and storing over 20 alarming messages on his personal phone between 2018 and 2015. These messages included sexist, racist, and discriminatory content, as well as materials classified as extreme pornography, which are illegal to possess. Despite being presented with ample opportunity, the officer failed to delete, challenge, or report the inappropriate communications.
Misconduct Details and Fallout
The case against Doran was resolved through an accelerated misconduct hearing—a process reserved for incidents where evidence of gross misconduct is deemed incontrovertible. Although Doran resigned in July ahead of the hearing, the presiding officer, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, emphasized that the evidence warranted immediate dismissal.
Chief Constable Roberts stated: “The discriminatory views and behavior demonstrated show a clear lack of respect for others and a failure to uphold policing standards. This conduct is unacceptable and damaging to public trust.”
The findings resulted in Doran being placed on a banned list, barring him from any future roles within law enforcement. Cheshire Police has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach to such behavior.
Controversy Surrounding the Show’s Protagonist
As a prominent figure in Motorway Cops, Doran was frequently portrayed as a dedicated officer tackling crime on Britain’s roads. Episodes highlighted his efforts to apprehend car thieves, respond to collisions, and even chase suspects using unconventional methods, such as pursuing one in a tractor. Unfortunately, these public accolades are now overshadowed by his misconduct, significantly tarnishing his reputation and that of the police force he represented.
Cheshire Police’s Stance and Public Reaction
In response to the case, Chief Constable Roberts reiterated the force’s commitment to upholding the highest standards, stressing that misconduct of this nature undermines public confidence in policing. He expressed particular concern over Doran’s failure to report or delete extreme pornographic material, highlighting that such inaction is indefensible within law enforcement.
The scandal has also drawn attention to the first four seasons of Motorway Cops, which focused on Cheshire Police. The show has since shifted its focus, featuring Northumbria Police in subsequent seasons and Humberside Police in its latest series.
Conclusion
PC Andrew Doran’s dismissal underscores the importance of integrity within the police force and the dire consequences of violating public trust. While his stints on Motorway Cops once painted him as a committed law enforcement officer, his actions off-camera have irrevocably damaged his career and credibility.