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 which concluded today (Friday).
Atkins initially joined the force as a PCSO before signing up as a student officer in 2020.
The panel heard how he had assaulted a woman 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.
Temporary 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.”
A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police added they are committed to combatting Male Violence Against Women and Girls.
“Our strategy is to pursue perpetrators by improving the quality of investigations, make public spaces safer for women and girls through joint working with partners, and improving trust and confidence in policing by reviewing internal reporting mechanisms and ensuring the effective support of victims,” they said.
