Former Essex Police Constable barred from serving again after alleged sexual misconduct
The former officer involved resigned in July 2023
A former police officer was found to have committed gross misconduct and has been barred from serving again.
Former Police Constable Jonathan Reay was alleged to have breached standards of policing in relation to authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity and discreditable conduct.
It was alleged that between 2022 and 2023 former-PC Reay repeatedly engaged in sexual misconduct towards a female officer.
Former PC Reay touched her inappropriately and made inappropriate sexual comments.
The former officer involved resigned in July 2023.
The misconduct panel chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner took place over three days, 24 March to 26 March.
ACC Mariner found each allegation to be proved as gross misconduct and that had former-PC Reay still been serving he would have been dismissed without notice.
He will also be placed on the College of Policing barred list preventing him ever rejoining policing in any role.
ACC Mariner said: “This officer’s behaviour is completely contrary to the values which thousands of police officers in Essex live by, both on duty and off duty.
The officer behaved in a totally unprofessional way against a colleague.
His behaviour was abhorrent and has no place in Essex Police, this was re-enforced by the number of officers who provided statements regards witnessing the actions towards the female officer.
He added: "We can only police with the consent of the public and that consent requires trust. It is actions like this which undermine and damage that trust.
All of us in Essex Police feel let down by his actions.
The overwhelming majority of officers, staff and volunteers in Essex are gravely disappointed as they behave in a way which fits the public role they hold.”