Disgraced South Yorkshire cop accused of sharing crime scene photos resigns ahead of misconduct hearing

PC Michael Atkin was due to attend a misconduct hearing with bosses at South Yorkshire Police after being accused of breaching standards of professional behaviour expected of an officer.

He was alleged to have shared crime scene photographs and documentation with ‘distasteful, inappropriate and unprofessional comments attached’ while on duty.

Ahead of the scheduled hearing, South Yorkshire Police said: “It is alleged that PC Atkin breached the standards of professional behaviour in that PC Atkin took and shared a number of photographs whilst on duty, containing personal and sensitive information of members of the public, crime scenes and documentation.

“Many had a number of distasteful, inappropriate and unprofessional comments attached.”

It has now emerged that the police officer resigned ahead of the hearing.

Bosses still met to discuss the case and the allegations were proven.

South Yorkshire Police said: “On 2 February 2021, PC Atkin resigned.

“On 3 February 2021, former PC 201 Atkin was the subject of an accelerated misconduct hearing which was chaired by Chief Constable Watson.

“It was alleged that the officer breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to confidentiality and discreditable conduct in that the officer shared a number of photographs whilst on duty, containing personal and sensitive information of members of the public, crime scenes and documentation.

“Many had a number of distasteful, inappropriate and unprofessional comments attached.

“The Chief Constable found both allegations proved and determined that the officer would have been dismissed without notice if still serving.”