Essex Police officer dismissed for gross misconduct
He concealed a work telephone to listen in remotely on conversations
Last updated 14th Jan 2026
A serving officer has been dismissed with immediate effect following a finding of gross misconduct.
Ex-Detective Sergeant Nicholas Riley concealed a work telephone in the office of his line manager and, between February and April 2025, used the device multiple times to listen in on conversations remotely. These actions occurred while Riley was on duty.
He was found to have breached professional standards relating to honesty and integrity, confidentiality, and discreditable conduct.
During an accelerated misconduct hearing chaired by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington on Friday, 19 December, Riley’s conduct was formally deemed gross misconduct, leading to his immediate dismissal without notice.
In addition, he has been placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing him from serving in any police role in the future.
The chief constable said: “This behaviour is clearly not in keeping with the incredibly high standards to which we hold our officers and staff at Essex Police.
“Once the behaviour was proven, the only acceptable outcome for this now-former officer was dismissal.”
He added: “The public rightly expects the officers who serve them to behave with integrity and honestly at the centre of their values. When this does not happen, we never hesitate in taking robust action, as this hearing shows.”