Detective Sergeant Gary Waite, 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 dishonestly representing him as being on duty. Waite resigned in March 2026, prior to the conclusion of his gross misconduct hearing.
The findings, published recently, revealed that Waite dishonestly accounted for Detective Pervaz Malik's duty status on nine occasions between June 2022 and July 2023. During this period, Waite also requested and received Viagra from Malik, who was later dismissed for organizing sex workers and facilitating drug supply.
In messages presented as evidence, Malik asked for leave, to which Waite responded, "Whatever you need brother xx." Malik then specified his requested days off and offered to procure "4 blue," which the misconduct panel determined referred to Viagra. Waite initially denied receiving the medication but later stated he believed it "would improve my intimacy with my wife."
The misconduct panel found Waite's conduct to be intentional and deliberate, noting that he booked Malik as on duty even when aware he was out of the country. The panel highlighted that Waite, in a position of trust and responsibility due to his rank and supervisory role, engaged in an inappropriate and over-familiar relationship with Malik. This conduct was deemed inconsistent with public expectations of a supervisor.
Despite Waite's commendations for his role as a first responder at the Westminster Bridge attack on March 22, 2017, where five people were killed and over 50 injured, his past achievements carried limited weight in the misconduct hearing. The panel stated that 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) reported that Waite was arrested in March 2024 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, though no further action was taken. Malik was arrested in August 2023 on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, but also faced no further action.
IOPC director of engagement Amanda Rowe stated that Waite abused his position and power as a supervisor, lying about Malik's duty status multiple times, including when he was abroad. She added that Waite's actions allowed Malik time away from work at the expense of the Metropolitan Police and to the detriment of his team. Both officers have now been held accountable and will not work in policing again, Rowe confirmed.