Essex Special Constable found guilty of gross misconduct over doctored article
The officer resigned before he could be dismissed.
A former Special Constable in Essex has been found to have committed gross misconduct after altering an internal police article and attempting to disseminate personal information to the media.
Antony Rowntree was alleged to have downloaded and doctored an article published on the Essex Police intranet between 29th May and 2nd June 2024, concerning the dismissal of a staff member.
Rowntree added personal details of the dismissed staff member and the circumstances surrounding their dismissal, intending to make this information public by reaching out to national media outlets.
It was alleged he was motivated by a personal dislike for the staff member and sent the document to his personal email, lacking authorization or a legitimate policing purpose.
A misconduct hearing was held from 11th to 12th February, where a panel chaired by Assistant Chief Officer Fiona Henderson concluded that Rowntree breached force policies concerning data protection and usage of force systems.
Rowntree breached the standards of professional behavior relating to Integrity, Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Confidentiality, and Discreditable Conduct.
The panel determined the misconduct constituted gross misconduct and stated that had Rowntree not already resigned, he would have been dismissed without notice.
He will be added to the College of Policing barred list.
ACO Henderson said, “Former SC Antony Rowntree actively went against force policy due to his active dislike of the member of staff who was dismissed. His actions were entirely his own, and were motivated by malice rather than a virtuous intent to shine a light on behaviour he felt was not appropriate. When someone behaves in a way that falls below the standards we expect, they are dealt with through appropriate proceedings, as had been the case with the staff member at the centre of former SC Rowntree’s actions. All officers, staff, and volunteers must aim to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason and this was not how Rowntree behaved. Policing is no place for individuals who base their decision making and actions on malice."