Former Essex Police officer found to have committed gross misconduct
The officer was found to have breached standards of Honesty and Integrity, Lawful Orders and Discreditable Conduct
A former Essex Police officer has breached standards of Honesty and Integrity, Lawful Orders and Discreditable Conduct.
An Essex Police misconduct hearing heard the officer ‘P’ had applied for a private loan, spent part of it and then denied knowledge of it, prompting a criminal investigation.
The criminal investigation was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service, however no charges were authorised.
The panel at the hearing found that, on a balance of probabilities, the former officer had been dishonest about their involvement in applying for the loan.
The former officer also failed to disclose their investment in a licensed bar abroad, which should have been declared formally as a business interest.
Legally Qualified Chair Sharmistha Michaels led the two-day misconduct hearing, held virtually, which began on Monday (17 May).
The former officer was not present for the hearing.
Former officer ‘P’, who resigned from the force in May, was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Honesty and Integrity, Lawful Orders and Discreditable Conduct.
The panel ruled that former officer 'P' would have been dismissed had they still been serving.
Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills said:
"Our officers need to conduct themselves, both in their professional and personal lives, in a way that shows the public we have the highest levels of honesty and integrity.
"A panel found, on the balance of probabilities, that former officer 'P' was dishonest about their involvement in applying for the loan.
"Their actions were dishonest.
"We cannot and will not tolerate behaviour that damages the public trust and confidence the force works so hard to build and maintain.
"We will continue to work hard to address anything which may undermine the trust and confidence of our communities across Essex."