A police officer named Russell Hinkins has been sentenced to four years in jail for sharing crime scene photos of two deceased women. He shared these photos, along with other images of police incidents, using an insecure email address. The Essex Police officer from Haverhill, Suffolk, admitted to misconduct in a public office in February of this year. The investigation conducted by Essex Police’s Counter Corruption Unit revealed that the photos were not taken for evidential purposes and were not shared with third parties. Hinkins also shared sensitive information about operational activities, putting public safety at risk. He confessed to securing unauthorized access to material and disclosing information without consent.
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet expressed his apologies to those affected by Hinkins’ actions, emphasizing that his behavior does not reflect the values of Essex Police. He commended the Counter Corruption Unit for their thorough investigation that led to Hinkins’ conviction and imprisonment. Prophet reiterated the commitment of Essex Police to uphold the trust and confidence of the community by holding officers and staff accountable for their actions.
Although Hinkins resigned from the force in March of 2023, he will still undergo a misconduct process by Essex Police. His deliberate actions have caused distress and anger among the public and have tarnished the reputation of hardworking officers, staff, and volunteers dedicated to public safety and crime prevention. The case against Hinkins was described as long, complex, and emotionally charged, but the investigation conducted by the Counter Corruption Unit ultimately brought him to justice.
The incident involving Russell Hinkins serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and maintaining the trust of the community. Essex Police is committed to identifying and addressing any misconduct within its ranks to ensure that all officers and staff adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. The actions of a few individuals should not overshadow the dedication and hard work of the majority who strive to protect and serve the public.
