Former Essex Police officer dismissed after misconduct involving a victim of crime
Kieran O'Connor barred from policing following inappropriate relationship
Last updated 17th Aug 2026
A former Essex Police officer has been dismissed following an accelerated misconduct hearing that found he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a woman involved in a crime case.
Ex-PC Kieran O'Connor faced the hearing on 4th September 2025, where it was determined that he had initiated improper contact in November 2024 after responding to a domestic abuse report.
O'Connor was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour concerning Orders and Instructions, Integrity, and Discreditable Conduct.
This breach was classified as gross misconduct.
Consequently, the hearing resulted in his dismissal without notice.
O'Connor has been added to the College of Policing Barred List, which prevents future employment as a police officer.
Despite a reporting restriction during the misconduct proceedings, O'Connor faced a criminal charge for misconduct in a public office in July 2025.
However, these charges were dismissed at Ipswich Crown Court on 10th July 2026 after the Crown Prosecution Service chose not to present evidence.
Acting Chief Constable Rachel Nolan commented on the case: "The public rightly expect police officers to act with professionalism and integrity at all times, particularly when dealing with people who may be vulnerable or in need of support."
She emphasised the necessity for crime victims to trust officers to maintain professional boundaries: "The standards expected of our officers are clear and where those standards are breached, we will take robust action."
"This outcome demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the minority of officers who behave in an unacceptable way are held accountable for their actions," Nolan added.