Surrey Police Officer Sacked After Assaulting Woman in Custody
Detention Officer Dismissed Without Warning
Joanne Vickery, 47, a Surrey Police detention officer, has been fired without notice following a gross misconduct hearing. The hearing found she breached professional standards on use of force, honesty, integrity, and conduct. The shocking assault took place inside the custody suite at Staines police station in October 2022.
Attack Caught on CCTV in Staines Custody Suite
The court heard a woman arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly had initially assaulted Vickery through the cell door. Vickery then entered the cell and launched her own assault. The entire episode was caught on CCTV, discovered by staff reviewing footage for a separate investigation.
Vickery Faces Justice and Loses Job
Vickery pleaded guilty to assault at Staines Magistrates’ Court and received a conditional discharge. Meanwhile, she was put on restricted duties during the inquiry. Now the force has acted swiftly, dismissing her to uphold public trust.
“Even though Vickery was assaulted first, her behaviour, which amounted to a criminal offence, simply cannot be condoned,” said Superintendent Andy Rundle, head of Surrey Police’s Professional Standards Department. “Those who fail to meet the high standards expected of them are dealt with swiftly and robustly.”
“Thankfully, the majority of our officers and staff come to work each day to protect the public with honesty and integrity,” he added.
Another Guilty of Assaulting Emergency Worker
The victim, Lucy Caird, 35, was also found guilty of assaulting an emergency worker. She was handed a £480 fine, plus £400 in costs, and a £216 victim surcharge.
