A SERVING Dorset Police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct.

PC Martin Briggs cut out the earrings of three female recruits with a pair of wire cutters before a police fitness test.

PC Law was left with blood coming from her ear after the drastic act, a police disciplinary hearing has heard.

The junior officers - PC Georgia Hedditch, PC Holly Law and PC Elizabeth Christie -  were left 'distressed and embarrassed' after their ordeal on April 17 last year, it is alleged.

Following a public misconduct hearing at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith, which finished on April 19 2024, the panel found that PC Martin Briggs, who was working within the Force’s Operational Training Unit, had breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct and was guilty of gross misconduct.

PC Martin Briggs was issued with a final written warning that will be in place for five years.

His colleague PC Samuel Davies was also found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to respect and courtesy, challenging and reporting improper conduct and discreditable conduct.

The panel found these breaches amounted to misconduct and he was issued with a written warning that will remain in place for 18 months.

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.

“The panel found that there was confusion over the dress code policy for officers taking part in the job-related fitness tliveest and since this incident, we have already reviewed our policies and training joining instructions so it is made very clear to officers that no jewellery or piercings must be worn.

“Tackling unethical or unacceptable behaviour remains a force priority and I would encourage members of the public to report them to the Force so they can be thoroughly investigated.”