Gross misconduct proven against former Essex Police officer

A former Essex Police officer, who formed an inappropriate emotional relationship with a member of the public that they met through the course of their duties, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had they not resigned, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).      

The former police constable, who resigned in August 2025 and cannot be named due to reporting restrictions put in place by the disciplinary panel chair, faced a hearing this week over allegations that their actions breached the police standards of professional behaviour of honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct, and authority, respect and courtesy.    

Between December 2022 and October 2023, the officer formed an improper emotional relationship with a complainant in a historic sexual abuse case that the officer was investigating. The relationship, while not sexual, involved exchanging numerous personal messages, sharing private details, and arranging in-person meetings, including visits to the officer’s home.   

Following a two-day police disciplinary hearing, which concluded on Tuesday, the panel found that the officer had breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to:

• discreditable conduct for compromising the integrity of a criminal investigation and undermining public confidence in policing
• honesty and integrity, for actively hiding the emotional relationship from police colleagues
• authority, respect and courtesy for exposing a vulnerable complainant to potential harm and failing to demonstrate the respect and courtesy expected in the circumstances

The former officer will now be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list.      

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “The public expects the highest standards of integrity and professionalism from police officers, particularly when they are dealing with complainants who have reported sensitive matters relating to sexual abuse and are in a vulnerable position.   

“This officer clearly crossed professional boundaries by the forming an inappropriate emotional relationship with the complainant, creating a serious conflict of interest.    

“The outcome of this hearing sends a clear message that this behaviour won’t be tolerated, and officers who act in this way will be held to account.”  

Our investigation began following a mandatory conduct referral from the force in October 2023. After concluding our investigation in May 2025, we decided that the officer should face gross misconduct proceedings. We also referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service for it to consider potential criminal charges, however no charge was laid.