A former City of London Police officer has been barred from returning to any policing role after sharing video evidence of a crime scene via a social messaging platform. Thomas Hawkes, the officer in question, was found to have recorded footage of a suspected offence from a police terminal on January 28, 2023, and shared it with an unauthorised third party.
The misconduct came to light after an investigation revealed that Hawkes had accessed Evidence.com, a secure platform used by Police to manage digital files, and recorded two videos using his phone. The footage showed a man being detained by police. Hawkes’ actions were deemed a severe breach of professional standards.
Hearing and Consequences
The misconduct hearing, chaired by City of London Police Commissioner Peter O’Doherty, took place on November 5, 2024. The panel determined that Hawkes’ behaviour amounted to gross misconduct, and if he were still serving, he would have been dismissed without notice. Although Hawkes had already left the force, he has now been added to the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing him from joining any police force in the future.
In his decision, Commissioner O’Doherty stated: “The apprehension and arrest of a person is a serious matter, and by sharing this footage with a person who was not legally entitled to possess it, former officer Hawkes has breached the standards of confidentiality and damaged trust and confidence in the City of London Police.
Impact on Policing Integrity
Superintendent Carly Humphreys, head of Professional Standards, described the incident as a “wholly unacceptable compromise of the integrity of policing.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in law enforcement, stating, “Sharing police evidence without justification or purpose undermines the professionalism and security that the public relies on.”
Hawkes will remain on the barred list for a minimum of five years, after which he may apply for removal, subject to strict scrutiny. This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding sensitive police information and upholding professional standards within law enforcement.
