Dorset Police Officer Guilty of Cutting Off Trainees' Earrings Before Fitness Test

A Dorset Police officer, PC Martin Briggs, has been found guilty of gross misconduct for cutting off the earrings of three student officers before their fitness and safety training. The incident occurred at Dorset Police Headquarters on April 17, 2023.

According to a public misconduct hearing, Briggs falsely led the trainees to believe he would use bolt croppers to remove their earrings, but instead used a snipping tool. A disciplinary panel found that using bolt croppers would have been physically impossible.

Another officer present, PC Samuel Davies, was found guilty of misconduct for breaching professional standards. He was handed an 18-month written warning.

The panel determined that the students had not given free and genuine consent for the removal of their earrings. While bolt croppers could not have been physically used, the students sincerely believed they were going to be used.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the importance of upholding professional standards and treating colleagues, especially new recruits, with respect and dignity. It emphasizes the need for clear policies and training to prevent misconduct and maintain public trust in law enforcement.

Dorset Police's Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell expressed disappointment in the officers' actions, stating they fell below the expected standards of behavior and respect for new student officers. "The actions of the officers fell below the standards that we expect of our officers in terms of their behavior and the respect they show to colleagues, and in particular, student officers," Farrell said.

The force has since reviewed its policies and training to make it clear that no jewelry or piercings should be worn during the fitness test. The public is encouraged to report any unethical or unacceptable behavior by police officers, staff, or volunteers.

Key Takeaways

• Dorset police officer found guilty of gross misconduct for cutting off student officers' earrings
• Officer falsely claimed he would use bolt croppers, but used a snipping tool instead
• Another officer present was found guilty of misconduct and received an 18-month written warning
• The panel determined the students did not give free and genuine consent for the earring removal
• Dorset Police reviewed policies and training to prevent such misconduct and maintain public trust