Former Essex officer found guilty of gross misconduct
Officer would have been dismissed had they not resigned
A former Essex Police officer breached police standards, by forming an inappropriate emotional relationship with a member of the public involved in a case they were investigating, a misconduct panel has ruled.
The officer resigned in August 2025, but faced a disciplinary hearing this week. Reporting restrictions imposed by the panel chair mean the officer cannot be named.
The misconduct occurred between December 2022 and October 2023, while the officer was investigating a historic sexual abuse case. The emotional relationship with the complainant included exchanging personal messages, sharing private details and arranging meetings, including visits to the officer’s home.
On Tuesday, a two-day disciplinary hearing concluded that the officer’s behaviour represented gross misconduct and breached several key standards:
Discreditable conduct by compromising the integrity of a criminal investigation and undermining public confidence in the police
Honesty and integrity by concealing the relationship from colleagues
Authority, respect and courtesy by exposing a vulnerable complainant to potential harm and failing to demonstrate expected respect and professionalism
The panel stated that the officer would have faced dismissal, had they not resigned. They will now be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, meaning they cannot be employed by police forces in England and Wales.
Amanda Rowe, Director of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), said: “The public expects the highest standards of integrity and professionalism from police officers, particularly when dealing with sensitive matters relating to sexual abuse.
“This officer clearly crossed professional boundaries by forming an inappropriate emotional relationship with the complainant, creating a serious conflict of interest.
“The outcome of this hearing sends a clear message that this behaviour won’t be tolerated, and officers who act in this way will be held to account.”
The IOPC investigation into the case began after Essex Police made a mandatory conduct referral in October 2023. By May 2025, investigators concluded the officer should face gross misconduct proceedings.
While a file of evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service to review criminal charges, none were brought against the officer.