Police sergeant dismissed for hiding evidence during investigation
Officer found to have committed gross misconduct after concealing mobile phone subject of an investigation
A police sergeant has been dismissed without notice after a misconduct panel concluded he deliberately hid a mobile phone that was subject to an ongoing investigation.
Sergeant Charles Deebank was found to have committed gross misconduct following an incident in which he attempted to conceal the device from officers searching his home.
The case dates back to 24 September 2024, when PS Deebank was off duty and officers attended his residence. He was arrested during the visit and asked to surrender his mobile phone. He told officers he had left it at the gym and falsely claimed to search for it in both locations.
However, during a subsequent search of the property, officers discovered the phone hidden inside a boot placed on top of a tall wardrobe.
A misconduct hearing held at Chelmsford Civic Centre on 7 and 8 April heard the evidence against him. The panel, chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin, determined that PS Deebank had breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to Honesty and Integrity, as well as Discreditable Conduct.
The panel concluded that the breaches amounted to gross misconduct, resulting in his immediate dismissal without notice. He will also be placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing future service in policing.
ACC Pavelin said: “The actions of this sergeant were extremely serious. He actively sought to hinder an investigation by concealing the mobile phone, which is wholly unacceptable.
“As a police officer, and particularly as a supervising officer, he would have been fully aware of both the law and his clear duty to preserve and provide evidence from all relevant sources.
“When anyone connected with policing behaves in a way that falls below the high standards we expect, they will be dealt with through the appropriate disciplinary proceedings, as has happened in this case.
“All officers, staff and volunteers are expected to uphold the law and act with honesty and integrity at all times.”