One of the officers had driven drunk after a BBQ while the other lied to the police about the incident.

The two trainee officers were less than three months into their service when the misconduct took place, neither had yet been assigned to active duty. 

Joshua Risby and Katherine Smith were each found to have committed gross misconduct and would have been dismissed from the force had they not already resigned. 

On June 13 2020, the two attended a barbeque where they drank alcohol. 

Mr Risby then drove Ms Smith to a private address and both individuals knew that he was over the drink driving limit. 

Kent officers were informed of the journey and went to the address where Ms Smith falsely told them that Mr Risby was not at the property. 

The officers found him in the garden where a breath test proved he was over the limit. 

Ms Smith resigned on February 23 2021, Mr Risby on January 29 2022. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Armory, Head of Kent Police’s Professional Standards Department, said: “The actions of Mr Risby and Ms Smith were dangerous and dishonest which means we, and the public, can have no confidence in their ability to serve as police officers. 

“As soon as the allegations were reported, we took prompt action to hold both individuals to account and this included suspending them from their training with immediate effect. 

“Now that this outcome has been determined by an independent panel, we will be placing each of them on the College of Policing’s police barred list for life.

“We always expect the highest standards of professionalism and conduct from all officers and staff and the vast majority serve in line with these expectations. Those who fall short will always face scrutiny and proportionately robust action.”