Former Essex Police Special Sergeant found to have committed gross misconduct
It follows unacceptable behaviour towards female officers
A former Essex Police Special Sergeant has been found to have committed gross misconduct.
It comes after unacceptable behaviour towards female officers.
A hearing was told former S/Sgt James Herdman sent inappropriate messages of a sexualised nature and behaved inappropriately towards three female Special Constables on separate occasions between January and March 2020.
The allegations amounted to gross misconduct and breached the standards of Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Equality and Diversity, and Discreditable Conduct.
An Essex Police misconduct hearing, led by legally qualified chair Neil Dalton, was held virtually on Monday (14 June).
The panel decided that former S/Sgt Herdman would have been dismissed from the force had he not previously resigned in March of this year.
He will also be included on the College of Policing Barred List, which prevents him from working within policing.
Assistant Chief Constable Prophet said:
"The behaviour of former S/Sgt James Herdman in this case was completely unacceptable and falls far below the high standards I expect from all officers, staff and volunteers at Essex Police.
"His actions not only undermine public confidence but breaks the incredibly strong level of trust that is so vital between fellow officers and police staff.
"At Essex Police, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
"We have a collective responsibility to ensure that all victims of sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour feel supported and encouraged to come forward, as they have done in this case.
"No matter who is involved, where or when it happens, the outcome of this hearing shows that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will take all reports of this nature seriously.
"I urge anyone who experiences, or anyone who witnesses inappropriate behaviour towards women or towards any person, to please report it."
Essex Police has said they are dedicated to supporting all women in the force, with representation at every rank up to Deputy Chief Constable and in all kinds of specialist roles from detectives to firearms officers.
Within the force's network of support groups for officers and staff, they have a Menopause Support Group, a Women’s Leadership and Development Forum (WLDF) and also #HeForShe ambassadors.
Inspector Laura Stellon, co-chair of the WLDF, said:
"Our network celebrates women across all roles and ranks in Essex Police.
"We support both experienced colleagues and new joiners to the force and offer a safe space for people to ask for advice.
"We will always encourage colleagues to support each other and challenge inappropriate behaviour when they see it, no matter who is involved."
Essex Police added they are also committed to gender equality and have also made "great strides" through the #FitTheBill We Value Difference campaign.