Essex officer resigned after misconduct involving vulnerable complainant
Former officer would have been dismissed for gross misconduct if she hadn’t resigned
A former Essex Police officer has been placed on the College of Policing’s barred list after forming an inappropriate emotional relationship with a vulnerable member of the public she met during an investigation.
The officer, who resigned in August 2025, cannot be named due to legal restrictions imposed by the disciplinary panel chair. An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation found her actions had breached professional standards of honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct, and authority, respect and courtesy.
Between December 2022 and October 2023, the officer established an emotional relationship with a complainant in an historic sexual abuse case she was investigating. This involved exchanging private messages, sharing personal details, and arranging multiple meetings, including visits to the officer’s home.
Misconduct hearing findings
A two-day misconduct hearing chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin began remotely on 1st December 2025.
The panel concluded that the officer’s behaviour amounted to gross misconduct and ruled that she would have been dismissed if she were still serving in the force. As a result, the former officer will be included on the College of Policing’s barred list, which prohibits her from working in policing in future.
ACC Pavelin condemned the officer’s behaviour:
“This is a case where an officer’s actions towards a vulnerable complainant were totally unacceptable and their behaviour completely inappropriate.
“It should not need to be said, but anyone who seeks our help, support and advice should never be subjected to such behaviour which falls well below our standards of professionalism.
“It’s important to set the very highest of standards for all our officers, staff and volunteers because, where the standards aren’t met, poor behaviours can have a significant impact on the trust and confidence of the public that we work so hard for.”
IOPC investigation
The IOPC investigation began after Essex Police made a mandatory referral in October 2023.
The organisation found that the former officer’s actions towards the complainant breached multiple professional standards and resulted in the inappropriate relationship over the course of a year.
By being placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, the former officer will no longer be able to hold any role in policing.