A former police officer has been sentenced to four years in prison for sharing crime scene photos of two deceased women. Russell Hinkins, 43, a former Essex Police officer from Haverhill, Suffolk, was found guilty of misconduct in a public office on February 6 this year. The court heard that Hinkins shared images from police incidents, including photos from the scenes of two non-suspicious deaths. The prosecutor, Liam Gregory, stated that Hinkins used “an insecure email address” to share these sensitive images.
The investigation conducted by Essex Police’s Counter Corruption Unit revealed that Hinkins had shared these photos without any policing purpose and had also divulged sensitive information about operational activity which could have jeopardised public safety. Hinkins also pleaded guilty to charges of securing “unauthorised access to material’ and ‘disclosing information without consent”.
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet expressed his remorse for the distress caused by Hinkins’ actions, stating that they do not align with the values of Essex Police. He commended the Counter Corruption Unit for their diligent work in uncovering the extent of Hinkins’ misconduct, leading to his conviction and imprisonment. Prophet affirmed the commitment of Essex Police to maintaining public trust and holding officers accountable for any behaviour that falls below the expected standards.
Hinkins had resigned from the police force in March 2023, but will still face a misconduct process by Essex Police. The sentencing of Hinkins to four years in jail serves as a stern reminder of the importance of upholding professionalism and integrity within law enforcement agencies.
The case of Russell Hinkins highlights the significance of ensuring the ethical conduct of those entrusted with upholding the law and serving the community. Essex Police’s swift and thorough investigation into Hinkins’ actions underscores their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of accountability and transparency within the force.