An officer who took a photograph of a dead body and attempted to show the image to colleagues has been dismissed from the organisation.

PC Timothy Robson, based on the North East Area Command, attended a misconduct hearing where a panel found a number of allegations proven against him.

On 10 September 2025, PC Robson attended a sudden death and took a photograph on his personal mobile phone. He had no legitimate policing purpose to do so.

PC Robson went on to show or offered to show the image to several of his colleagues. In doing so, he was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy, and duties and responsibilities.

Superintendent Jai Singh, from the North East Area Command, said: “PC Robson has acted abhorrently and without any thought for the dignity of the individual and their loved ones. I would like to apologise to those affected by his actions and for any additional distress caused.

“I am grateful to the colleagues who came forward to report this behaviour, enabling us to take decisive action against an officer whose conduct fell significantly short of the high standards we expect of all our officers and staff.”

PC Robson has been dismissed without notice and will also be added to the College of Policing barred list, preventing him re-joining the police or working for a number of other policing-related bodies.