Russell Hinkins: Former Essex police officer who shared photos of death scenes jailed
A former Essex officer who shared photos of police incidents, including the scenes of deaths, has been jailed.
Russell Hinkins, who was a PC in a response team based in the west of the county, also shared sensitive information about operational activity.
Hinkins, of Haverhill, Suffolk, was convicted on February 6 this year after admitting misconduct in a public office.
At Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday (October 28), the 43-year-old, who also admitted charges of securing unauthorised access to material and disclosing information without consent, was sentenced to four years.
He resigned from the force in March 2023, having joined in 2015, but will still face an Essex Police misconduct process.
His conviction and sentencing followed an investigation by the force’s specialist counter corruption unit into the sharing of sensitive images and material without a policing purpose to do so.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Hinkins shared several images of police-related incidents including photos from the scenes of two non-suspicious deaths. These photos were not taken for evidential purposes and they were shared with third parties.
“Our investigation found he also shared sensitive information about operational activity – an action which could have risked public safety.”
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: “Russell Hinkins has caused a great deal of anger and distress to those involved and I want to apologise to them for his actions.
“What Hinkins has done is reprehensible and bears no resemblance to the ethics and values of Essex Police.
“These were deliberate acts and not a case of an officer who just made a mistake.
“I want to thank our counter corruption unit for their investigation whose work uncovered the extent of Hinkins’ actions and led to him being charged and convicted. This was a long, complex and emotive case and their work has ensured Hinkins is now behind bars.”
DCC Prophet said that Hinkins’ actions “in no way represent the hardworking officers, staff and volunteers who are dedicated professionals committed to keeping the public safe and catching criminals.
“We are committed to earning and maintaining the trust and confidence of all our communities and building on the high levels of confidence across the county.
“Our professional standards and counter corruption teams are dedicated to identifying the few officers and staff whose behaviour and action do not meet the standards we demand and ensuring robust action is taken against them.”