Essex Police officer given final written warning over 'gross misconduct'
He didn't declare key information on an application for a firearms licence
Last updated 1st Jul 2022
An Essex Police officer has been given a final written warning after withholding information on an application for a firearms licence.
PC Liam Lewis was found to have committed gross misconduct by a disciplinary panel after a two day hearing.
He submitted the application for a firearms certificate in May 2021. The panel found he was 'reckless' in failing to include key details on the forms.
However the panel also found PC Lewis didn't intend to mislead or deceive authorities in filing an incorrect application.
He has been given a final written warning, last five years.
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: “Honesty and integrity are the cornerstones of a police force.
“Possessing a firearm is a significant responsibility, and the necessary checks are, quite rightly, carried out on all applicants, including police officers.
“In this case, the actions of PC Lewis did not reach the high standards we set for our officers and they were treated seriously by the organisation, with breaches of these standards often attracting the highest available sanction.
“The panel, however, on this occasion, chose not to dismiss PC Lewis and gave him a final written warning.”