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Imprisoned former police officer from Haverhill found guilty of gross misconduct




A former Essex Police officer would have been sacked if he’d not already resigned after he was found to have committed gross misconduct - a hearing has heard.

Former PC Russell Hinkins, of Sperling Drive, Haverhill, was jailed for four years in October having admitted charges of misconduct in public office, securing unauthorised access to material and disclosing information without consent.

The charges related to the sharing of several images, including some from the scenes of two non-suspicious deaths.

Former Essex Police officer Russell Hinkins was sentenced to four years in prison after an investigation by anti-corruption officers. Picture: Essex Police
Former Essex Police officer Russell Hinkins was sentenced to four years in prison after an investigation by anti-corruption officers. Picture: Essex Police

The photos were not taken for evidential purposes and they were shared with third parties.

An investigation conducted by the Essex Police Counter Corruption Unit found he had shared sensitive information about operational activity – an action which could have risked public safety.

An accelerated misconduct hearing took place on Monday at Essex Police Headquarters by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, where Hinkins, 44, was found to have committed gross misconduct.

Chief Constable Harrington determined that he would have been dismissed if he had not already resigned. Hinkins had quit Essex Police in March 2023.

The Chief Constable said: “Russell Hinkins behaviour was disgraceful and caused a great deal of anger and distress to those involved.

“What he has done is reprehensible and in no way reflects the ethics and values of Essex Police.

“His actions do a disservice to the hardworking officers, staff, and volunteers who are dedicated professionals whose focus is to keep the public safe and catch criminals.

“I want to thank our Counter Corruption Unit for their work to uncover Hinkins’ offending and for the investigation which brought him to justice.”

“I hope that this demonstrates that the small minority of officers and staff who let the public and their colleagues down will be held to account.”