A former Greater Manchester Police detective chief inspector who failed a drugs test has been placed on the barred list
James Faulkner was found guilty of gross misconduct and would have been sacked had he not already resigned.
It was proven that Mr Faulkner failed a drugs test in March 2025 after testing 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 and resigned before today’s hearing.
CC Watson said Mr Faulkner would have been dismissed without notice had he not already resigned.
He added: “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 the 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.”
