A student police officer has been dismissed after a panel ruled he had assaulted his ex-partner and sent inappropriate images to a child.
PC Duane Atkins was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour, amounting to gross misconduct, following a three day hearing which concluded on Friday, January 6, 2023.
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 a teenage girl.
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 and placed on the barred list.
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.”
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