A DETECTIVE has been sacked after harassing a member of police staff, the force said yesterday.

Det Insp Kevin Elkins was dismissed for gross misconduct on Thursday after a hearing.

Thames Valley Police yesterday said Mr Elkins, who had been working in Force Crime, was dismissed with immediate effect after a number of breaches were proven against him.

Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood said the harassment included inappropriate comments and text messages, and he said he hoped the sacking would send a message out.

He said: “The actions of Mr Elkins fell well short of the standard of conduct and behaviour we expect from officers and staff working for Thames Valley Police.

“The harassment was over a period of time and included text messages and inappropriate comments being made to the complainant.”

He added: “It takes a significant amount of courage for people to come forward and make a complaint against someone they work with.

“I hope this will send out a clear message to all at Thames Valley Police that they will be listened to and action will be taken if they witness inappropriate behaviour at work.”

Thames Valley Police last night could not provide any more details about the allegations. including the nature of harassment, how long it lasted, and where Mr Elkins was based in the force.

Mr Elkins – who was formerly of Oxford CID – was given 10 working days to appeal the decision.

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed

Our top stories