On-duty police officers who 'photographed themselves on trips to the seaside' forced to resign

The Gwent Police officers, along with a fifth constable who resigned last week on an unrelated conduct matter, were allegedly accused of driving to the beach in police cars while on duty.

It has been claimed the Blackwood-based officers, known as the "seaside five", were taking part in a competition to see who could travel the furthest from their police station.

A conduct hearing has now been held, leading to two officers being asked to resign. The other two were fined 13 days pay each.

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An investigation into their behaviour was managed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

IPCC Commissioner Tom Davies said: "This investigation has shown that the public can have confidence that the IPCC and the police service will vigorously tackle misconduct.

"Gwent Police has dealt with the officers' behaviour following the IPCC-managed investigation and is to be commended for its willingness to tackle a very small number of officers who have abused the trust put in them.

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"I will now ensure that the investigation concludes with a look at management processes within the force to ensure that appropriate lessons are learnt."

The four officers also faced charges of behaving in a way likely to bring discredit to the police service, while one was charged with failing to treat a member of the public with courtesy and respect. Three were charged with being neither open nor truthful.

It has been reported that the officers took mobile phone photographs at seaside resorts in South Wales, including Porthcawl and Barry Island while on duty.

The conduct hearing started on Monday, and had been due to conclude on Friday.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: "Four police officers have this week been subject to a misconduct hearing concerning the misuse of police vehicles whilst on duty.

"Whilst it is not the normal policy of Gwent Police to comment on internal matters, following speculation amongst the media last year, we were mindful that the public's confidence in Gwent Police could be compromised by a lack of comment from the force, and therefore confirmed such an investigation was underway in August 2007.

"Our success in policing the communities of Gwent depends to a great degree on public support for, and trust in Gwent Police. Our officers, just like employees of other organisations, must face the consequences of their actions.

"We will not tolerate any behaviour that falls below the standard expected and required to deliver a top quality service to the public of Gwent.

"As has been demonstrated in this case, any behaviour that threatens this delivery and the public's confidence in the force will be dealt with swiftly and fairly."

A file was initially passed to the Crown Prosecution Service, but no action was taken.