A detective sergeant who was the first officer on the scene of the 2017 Westminster Bridge terror attack has been barred from policing after admitting to asking a junior colleague for Viagra and lying about his work schedule. Detective sergeant Gary Waite resigned in March 2026, prior to the conclusion of gross misconduct proceedings against him.
The findings, published last week, determined that Waite had dishonestly represented his subordinate, Detective Pervaz Malik, as being on duty on nine occasions between June 2022 and July 2023. Malik was dismissed earlier this year for organizing sex workers and facilitating the supply of Class-A drugs.
Waite also requested Viagra from Malik, who provided it. In messages revealed during the investigation, Malik asked Waite for leave, to which Waite responded, "Whatever you need brother xx." Malik then indicated his desired time off and offered to bring "4 blue" for Waite, which the misconduct panel understood to refer to Viagra. Waite initially denied receiving the medication but later admitted he believed it would improve his intimacy with his wife.
The panel found that Waite committed operational dishonesty intentionally and deliberately, noting that he booked Malik as being on duty even when he was out of the country. The findings stated that as an officer holding a position of trust and responsibility, Waite's relationship with his subordinate was inappropriate, and the messages demonstrated an over-familiar dynamic that the public would not expect.
Despite Waite's commendations for his work, including being a first responder to the March 22, 2017, attack where five people were killed and over 50 injured, his career standing carried limited weight in the hearing. Had he not resigned, he would have been dismissed and placed on the College of Policing’s barred list.
The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) had previously arrested Waite in March 2024 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, but no further action was taken. Malik was arrested in August 2023 on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, but the Crown Prosecution Service also took no further action.
Amanda Rowe, IOPC director of engagement, stated that Waite abused his position as a supervisor to dishonestly represent Malik, whose time away from work was at the expense of the Metropolitan Police and to the detriment of his team. Both officers will not work in policing again following the investigation.