Police officer found guilty of gross misconduct
Tristan Hankins was found to have breached 'professional standards'.
A police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct and dismissed from the Devon and Cornwall police force.
PC Tristan Hankins was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour by members of force's misconduct panel.
On the 2nd of June 2020, Hankins had left his patrol area without permission and despite accepting an immediate deployment by radio, instead went on a personal errand.
He had also advised the control room that he would be free shortly, which was untrue in that he was free to respond to the immediate call. He then continued to run a personal errand before attending the immediate incident.
Following a one day hearing where the allegations against him were proven, he was dismissed on 16th of May this year.
The Head of Professional Standards, Detective Superintendent Paul Kessell said: “We expect our officers to uphold the standards of professional behaviour at all times and the actions of the officer fell below these standards on this occasion.
“He did not fulfil his duties and responsibilities and his behaviour brought discredit upon the police service and could undermine public confidence.
“Such behaviour will not be tolerated within policing and the decision made by the panel was that the officer should be dismissed without notice.”