'Very Smart' Ex-Cop Held 'Z' Key for Hours to Simulate Remote Work
A former police officer in the UK has received a lifetime ban from law enforcement after it was revealed he faked more than 100 hours of work. PC Liam Reakes, stationed in Yeovil, England, faced a misconduct hearing at Avon and Somerset Police headquarters where the extent of his actions was laid bare.
Between June and September 2024, Reakes engaged in a deceptive practice by holding down keys on his laptop to create the illusion of productivity while working from home. Avon and Somerset Police reported that this behavior was intended to mislead supervisors into believing he was actively working.
The misconduct came to light following a keystroke audit in September 2024, which indicated that Reakes’ keystroke count was alarmingly higher than that of his peers. This discrepancy raised red flags, prompting further investigation into his work habits.
Had he not already resigned, the former officer would have faced termination. His name has now been added to a national barred list, preventing him from future employment in policing or related fields. Notably, Reakes did not attend the hearing but admitted to opening a blank Word document and repeatedly pressing the ‘Z’ key for extended periods—totaling 103 hours across various shifts.
Evidence presented at the hearing suggested that this deceptive practice had been ongoing since September 2023. While Reakes acknowledged his actions, he denied any intent to misrepresent his work status.
During the proceedings, barrister Mark Ley-Morgan, representing the police force, noted that Reakes cited mental health struggles and a lack of support in an office environment as contributing factors. However, Ley-Morgan emphasized that there was no prior mention of such issues during discussions with his sergeant.
Concerns about Reakes’ performance had prompted multiple meetings with his sergeant throughout 2024. Ley-Morgan stated, “He knew he was being paid for work that he was not doing,” highlighting the severity of the misconduct.
Panel chairman Craig Holden condemned Reakes’ actions as “deceitful and dishonest,” warning of the detrimental impact on public trust in law enforcement. “He had lied during the interview process when he could have come clean,” Holden remarked, noting the regularity and sustained nature of the misconduct.
Following the hearing, Detective Superintendent Larisa Hunt, head of the Professional Standards Department, expressed outrage at Reakes’ behavior. She stated that prior to the audit, he had been placed on an action plan and assigned a tutor due to performance concerns.
“The use of any device or system to replicate keyboard activity is wholly wrong and deceptive,” Hunt said. “He’s let down those he made a commitment to serve and protect as well as his colleagues who are under significant pressure.”
Hunt also emphasized the importance of line managers conducting regular check-ins and performance reviews to ensure staff well-being and address any issues promptly. “It’s crucial for performance issues to be identified early and necessary support or training provided,” she concluded.
