Cop Caught Drink-Driving in Unmarked Police Car
PC Bryson Kisten, a North Area Basic Command Unit officer, appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 16 October. He was arrested by Met traffic officers on Saturday, 30 September after crashing an unmarked police car in Enfield.
Crash and Breath Test Reveal Over-the-Limit Alcohol
The court heard PC Kisten was involved in a damage-only collision on Chase Side, Enfield, around 2.30pm. Later that evening, at about 7pm, he attended a Met traffic garage where officers suspected he had been drinking.
PC Kisten took a breath test and blew readings of 48 and 43 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath — well over the legal limit of 35.
Guilty Plea and Harsh Penalties
Charged with drink-driving in the early hours of 1 October, PC Kisten pleaded guilty at his first court appearance. He was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £438. On top of that, he must pay £85 court fees and a £175 victim surcharge.
Fired Without Warning After Misconduct Hearing
At a misconduct hearing on 13 December, a panel ruled PC Kisten’s actions breached professional standards, citing discreditable conduct and lack of fitness for duty. He was dismissed without notice.
Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, head of policing in North Area, said:
“It is completely unacceptable that PC Kisten was driving a police vehicle while over the alcohol limit. As a police officer, he should have known the danger that drink driving poses to other road users.
I am pleased he has been caught and prosecuted due to the diligence of traffic officers who suspected he had been drinking and made him complete a breath test.”
