Former Dorset Police officer determined to have committed gross misconduct
A former Dorset Police officer, who failed to record accurate information in referral notices aimed at safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, has been determined to have committed gross misconduct.
A misconduct hearing was held at Dorset Police headquarters in Winfrith on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to consider allegations that on three occasions in August 2023 former Police Constable Mike Gardiner attended a victim’s address and completed a Public Protection Notice (PPN). However, on each occasion a review of body worn video showed significant discrepancies in the answers given by the victims and those that he later recorded on the PPN.
The hearing was told he had received vulnerability training in 2022 about the information he was required to obtain when dealing with incidents involving rape and serious sexual offences, violence and domestic abuse. Over the three occasions he failed to accurately record on the PPN details about injuries, physical or emotional abuse, use of weapons and alleged breach of bail conditions, and that this created a significant risk for victims and potential victims.
In a statement read to the hearing, it was stated that former PC Gardiner did not dispute his actions were a breach of the standards of professional behaviour.
At the misconduct hearing former PC Gardiner was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to Honesty and Integrity and Duties and Responsibilities. The decision was made that he would have been dismissed from the Force without notice had he not already resigned on 31 December 2023. He will also be placed on the police barred list.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “We expect our officers and staff to accurately record information provided by victims so we can ensure they are safeguarded, and perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Public Protection Notices are information sharing documents between the police and partner agencies to help us collectively protect vulnerable children or adults. Failing to record accurate information exposed victims to potential further harm and fell well below the expected standards of anyone working in our organisation.
"Putting victims first is a Force priority and remains at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud of the dedication shown by the vast majority of officers, staff and volunteers who identify vulnerability and provide appropriate and timely safeguarding activity.”
There are a number of ways the public can report matters. You can provide information you have about a serving police officer, staff member or volunteer in the UK to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, which is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 085 0000 or via the Crimestoppers' website. If you would prefer to report matters directly to the Force, you can call 101, visit the Force website or email countercorruptionunit.dorset@dorset.pnn.police.uk. Corruption can also be reported online at www.dorset.police.uk/contact/report-police-corruption/.