Former Essex police officer committed gross misconduct on night out
The former PC inappropriately touched two female collegues
A former Essex Police officer has been found to have committed gross misconduct as a result of his behaviour towards two fellow officers.
PC Jamie Ellis was socialising whilst off duty in May 2021 when he inappropriately touched a female officer without her consent and made a series of unsolicited and inappropriate sexual comments towards another off duty female officer.
Another male officer challenged PC Ellis' behaviour on the night.
After receiving a report about the behaviour, Essex Police launched an investigation, and a virtual gross misconduct hearing was held on 16th May.
The panel, chaired by Independent Legally Qualified Chair Ms Lyndsey De-Mestre, found the allegations were proven and that PC Ellis had breached standards relating to authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.
The panel found if PC Ellis had not already resigned, he would have been dismissed.
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: “I expect the highest standards of behaviour from officers and staff, both on duty and off duty.
“Being a police officer means you have a responsibility to protect and serve our communities. On this occasion, the actions of PC Ellis fell far below the standards I expect and the public of Essex deserves.
“Behaviour such as that displayed by PC Ellis has no place in policing or indeed within society more generally.
“The vast majority of officers and staff carry their duties brilliantly, committed to catching criminals and keeping people safe.”