Dorset police officer punished for cutting off trainees' earrings

A police officer who cut off trainees' earrings before their fitness test has been found guilty of gross misconduct.

PC Martin Briggs removed three students' piercings with a snipping tool, but made them believe he would use bolt croppers, Dorset Police said.

He was given a final written warning lasting for five years.

Another officer who was present, PC Samuel Davies, was found guilty of misconduct and handed an 18-month written warning.

The three students were called individually into an office for the procedure on 17 April 2023, the force said.

All of them reported that bolt croppers were used, although a disciplinary panel found that would have been physically impossible.

PC Briggs, who was working with the Operational Training Unit, was found to have breached professional standards relating to authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

PC Davies' breaches included respect and courtesy, challenging and reporting improper conduct and discreditable conduct, the force said.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: "I was saddened to hear about this incident involving the very team of officers who are expected to demonstrate impeccable standards of behaviour and respect to our new student officers as they begin their policing journey with us.

"Their actions on that day fell below the standards expected of anyone working within Dorset Police and the outcomes delivered by the panel reflect the seriousness of this."

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