Full Breakdown
Avon and Somerset Police Officer Dismissed for Misconduct
2/27/2026, 1:11:18 AM
Overview of the Incident
A police officer from Avon and Somerset, referred to as Sergeant X for legal reasons, was dismissed without notice for gross misconduct after it was discovered she had been pretending to work from home. During an accelerated misconduct hearing on February 25, 2025, it was revealed that she used a picture frame to weigh down the keys on her laptop, preventing it from going into sleep mode while she monitored calls on a separate screen.
Investigation and Findings
The misconduct hearing was prompted by data from the Avon and Somerset Police’s Professional Standards Department (PSD), which indicated that Sergeant X's keystrokes were significantly higher than those of her colleagues in similar roles. The investigation began in June 2024 after the PSD identified these irregularities. Evidence presented showed that during the majority of her shifts in April and May 2025, her keystrokes were between three and eight times higher than those of her peers.
Official Statements
Det Supt Larisa Hunt, head of the PSD, expressed disappointment over the incident, stating, “It is extremely disappointing an officer has behaved in a way which could not only discredit the police force, but also undermine the public confidence in respect of our duties and responsibilities.” She acknowledged the pressures faced by officers but emphasized that such deceitful behavior undermines the trust placed in law enforcement.
Sergeant X's Defense
During the hearing, Sergeant X admitted to her actions, explaining that she used the picture frame to keep her laptop active while she dealt with personal challenges. She claimed to have felt fear regarding her job security and accused a supervisor of wanting to remove her from the department. However, barrister Mark Ley-Morgan noted that there was no evidence to support her claims of being targeted.
Conclusion and Consequences
The misconduct panel, chaired by former Assistant Chief Constable Craig Holden, concluded that Sergeant X's actions constituted gross misconduct. As a result, she has been barred from serving in any police or law enforcement agency. This case highlights the importance of integrity within law enforcement and the potential consequences of misconduct on public trust.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Det Supt Larisa Hunt, the head of Avon and Somerset Police’s Professional Standards Department, said: “It is extremely disappointing an officer has behaved in a way which could not only discredit the police force, but also undermine the public confidence in respect of our duties and responsibilities.” — Det Supt Larisa Hunt, Head of Avon and Somerset Police’s Professional Standards Department.
- “We know officers and staff deal with immense pressure and high workloads, and while Sgt X had some mitigating circumstances, it’s unacceptable for an officer to act in this deliberate and deceitful way by abusing the trust placed in her, by making it appear she was working when she was not.” — Det Supt Larisa Hunt.
