An occurrence that has stirred up speculation in the law enforcement community involves the formal dismissal of a police sergeant due to his engagement in improper conduct. Tyler Coppin, a 29-year-old officer hailing from Colchester, found himself banned from football matches after admitting guilt to a public order offense stemming from an incident during the Liverpool versus Chelsea match at Anfield in October. Following a misconduct hearing conducted by Essex Police, it was determined that Coppin had committed gross misconduct in violation of the force’s standards.
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington of Essex expressed unequivocally, “If officers are tasked with upholding the law, it is unacceptable for them to breach it.” Reflecting on the outcome of the hearing, Chief Constable Harrington remarked, “The dismissal of former Sergeant Coppin is a consequence of a regrettable lapse in judgment, but it is the only appropriate resolution.”
Coppin’s actions were witnessed by stewards from Liverpool FC during the match on October 20, leading to his ejection from the stadium and subsequent arrest on grounds of “tragedy chanting,” as reported by Merseyside Police. The Crown Prosecution Service defines “tragedy chanting” as the act of fans singing, chanting, or gesturing offensive messages related to historical disasters or accidents linked to a football club.
Having pleaded guilty to a public order offense under the Public Order Act – specifically behavior likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress – at South Sefton Magistrates’ Court in Merseyside on December 13, Coppin faced consequences beyond the football banning order. In addition to fines and costs totaling £645, the former sergeant was found in breach of professional behavior standards in areas such as honesty, integrity, authority, respect, courtesy, and conduct unbecoming.
While acknowledging Coppin’s expressed remorse and previously untarnished policing career, Chief Constable Harrington opted to dismiss him from the force without notice, placing him on the College of Policing barred list. “While ex-Sergeant Coppin has shown regret and may not have fully grasped the repercussions of his actions, his criminal conviction for a public order offense cannot be overlooked,” stated Chief Constable Harrington. “Such behavior severely undermines public trust and confidence, necessitating a clear message to all officers, staff, and the general public that such misconduct will not be tolerated within the policing realm.”
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