A Birmingham police officer has been dismissed without notice after she punched her boyfriend and grabbed his throat during a heated argument at his home. PC Furlong, who was off-duty and had been drinking, momentarily lost control but had no justification for using violence, as she was not assaulted.
The incident led to a special domestic violence protection order prohibiting her from returning to her partner’s residence, aiming to safeguard him from further harm. A misconduct panel found that Furlong’s actions constituted gross misconduct and breached professional standards.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford condemned the behaviour, noting that the officer knowingly broke the law she was sworn to uphold. “This officer completely disregarded the law both on and off duty,” he stated, highlighting the serious damage such conduct inflicts on public confidence in the police.
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Furlong joined West Midlands Police in June 2021 and worked as a neighbourhood officer in Birmingham City Centre. In June 2025, police responded to a welfare check at her partner’s home, during which Furlong’s assault on her boyfriend the previous night came to light. She was arrested and served with a domestic violence protection notice, followed by a 28-day domestic violence protection order issued by Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.
The court found sufficient cause to believe Furlong had used or threatened violence against her partner, necessitating the protection order. Fortunately, no lasting physical injuries were reported, and the couple has since separated.
Chief Constable Guildford emphasized that the officer’s conduct was a severe breach of trust. “Domestic violence by a serving officer undermines public trust and damages the reputation of the entire police service,” he said.
Furlong admitted to breaching professional standards and showed remorse for her actions, but the panel determined that dismissal was the appropriate consequence. The case underscores the police service’s commitment to holding its officers accountable, especially in matters of domestic violence, regardless of gender.
Domestic violence protection orders (DVPOs) provide important safeguards in situations where evidence is insufficient for criminal charges but protection is necessary to prevent further harm. The West Midlands Police reiterates that all officers must act with restraint and uphold the law, both professionally and personally.