Student officer dismissed for gross misconduct

A student police officer has been dismissed after a panel ruled he had assaulted his ex-partner and sent inappropriate images to another woman. 

PC Duane Atkins was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour, amounting to gross misconduct, following a three day hearing.

During the hearing the panel heard how Atkins, who was initially a PCSO before joining the force as a student officer in 2020, assaulted a woman whom he was in a relationship with at the time and sent inappropriate images and videos to another woman. 

A criminal investigation into the assault took place but no further action was taken. 

However, the misconduct panel found that Atkins had breached the professional standards of Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct. He was dismissed without notice.

Deputy Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic said: "Duane Atkins' conduct was completely unacceptable. This was a clear case of gross misconduct and it is important the officer was instantly dismissed to ensure that the public can continue to have trust in our force.  

"As a force we are committed to stamping out such behaviour, from both within the force and wider society, and we expect everyone working within our force to uphold the very highest standards of personal conduct."

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