Serving Dorset Police officer dismissed for gross misconduct
PC Tyler McWalter admitted an intentional strangulation offence
A serving Dorset Police officer, who admitted an intentional strangulation offence in Weymouth, has been dismissed from the force without notice following a disciplinary hearing.
A panel found PC Tyler McWalter's behaviour amounted to a breach of the standards of professional behaviour concerning discreditable conduct.
The hearing was conducted by Chief Constable Amanda Pearson at Dorset Police's HQ in Winfrith yesterday (Tuesday 20th May).
In addition to the gross misconduct finding, PC McWalter has been placed on the police barred list.
What happened?
The criminal charge related to an incident last September, in the area of The Esplanade in Weymouth, when the officer was off duty.
During the incident PC McWalter attacked a member of the public by putting his arm around his neck and pulling him down to the ground.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “It is very disappointing to hear about an officer being involved in an incident of public place violence such as this.
“We expect our officers and staff to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour even when they are off duty and behaviour such as this simply will not be tolerated.
“We remain absolutely committed to ensuring officers whose actions fall below the high standards we expect of them are held to account and we want to send a message that there is no place in our organisation for someone who commits this kind of violent act.”