Dorset Police officer dismissed following gross misconduct finding
A serving Dorset Police officer who admitted an intentional strangulation offence has been dismissed without notice following a public misconduct hearing.
An accelerated misconduct hearing was held at Dorset Police’s Headquarters at Winfrith on Tuesday 20 May 2025 in relation to the conduct of Police Constable Tyler McWalter.
The officer had previously admitted an offence of intentional strangulation at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 20 March 2025 and it was alleged that his behaviour amounted to a breach of the standards of professional behaviour concerning discreditable conduct.
At the misconduct hearing, conducted by Chief Constable Amanda Pearson, the breach of the standard was upheld, and it was found that it amounted to gross misconduct.
PC McWalter was dismissed without notice and will be placed on the police barred list.
The criminal charge related to an incident that occurred during the early hours of Saturday 14 September 2024 in the area of The Esplanade in Weymouth, when the officer was off duty.
During the incident PC McWalter attacked a member of the public by putting his arm around his neck and pulling him down to the ground.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “It is very disappointing to hear about an officer being involved in an incident of public place violence such as this.
“We expect our officers and staff to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour even when they are off duty and behaviour such as this simply will not be tolerated.
“We remain absolutely committed to ensuring officers whose actions fall below the high standards we expect of them are held to account and we want to send a message that there is no place in our organisation for someone who commits this kind of violent act.”
Anyone can make a report to Dorset Police by calling 101, emailing complaints-misconduct@dorset.pnn.police.uk or visiting the Force website. Alternatively, members of the public can contact the IOPC – details of which can be found via their website www.policeconduct.gov.uk.
Information can also be submitted to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, which is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers. You can contact the service by calling 0800 085 0000 or via Crimestoppers' website to provide information you have about a serving police officer, staff member or volunteer.