The former head of the London Police Service's Human Trafficking Unit is accused of professional misconduct after another officer busted in a prostitution sting was allowed to walk free.
Sergeant Michael Hay is charged with discreditable conduct, neglect of duty, and insubordination under the Police Services Act. He was presented with the allegations during a hearing before an adjudicator on Tuesday.
According to a two-page notice of hearing, Hay is accused of directing the unconditional release of a police officer from another force who had been arrested during an investigation into men buying sex from women on April 19. It's also alleged that Hay tried to hide the officer's release from his supervisor.
"By releasing the police officer unconditionally, you provided preferential treatment to him simply because he was a police officer," the notice of hearing reads. "In addition, subsequent to the unconditional release of the police officer, you took proactive steps to hide your conduct from your superiors."
The notice also states that Hay's conduct has brought "discredit upon the reputation of the police force."
It is standard London police procedure to notify a supervisor during criminal investigations where a member of a police force could be charged.
Hay is still with the force but is no longer in the human trafficking unit.
"He remains on active duty and is currently assigned to a patrol section with the uniformed division," said Constable Sandasha Bough.
The police service and name of the officer swept up in the April prostitution sting have not been released.