Investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour and sexual assault – Essex Police, February 2022

A woman contacted Essex Police’s Counter Corruption Unit about a police officer who had allegedly behaved inappropriately. Allegations of sexual assault were made. 

This complaint was referred to us in February 2022. Another victim was identified, and we decided to independently investigate the matter in March 2022. 

It was alleged that the senior police officer had sexual relationships with two female colleagues. They alleged that the officer had sexually assaulted them on multiple occasions. A third woman came forward and complained of inappropriate sexual contact with the police officer.

We investigated whether the officer abused their position, authority and/or powers for a sexual purpose, as well as the allegations of sexual assault made against them. We also examined whether the officer may have behaved in an inappropriate manner towards another officer, including the use of inappropriate comments. We considered whether the officer behaved in a coercive and controlling manner, and if they breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour. 

Our investigators interviewed the police officer, examined their mobile phone and other devices, and obtained statements from several witnesses, including the women who made the allegations. We considered relevant local and national policies, procedures, guidance and legislation.

We found that the officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct. We shared our report with Essex Police, who agreed. We decided that disciplinary proceedings should be brought against the officer and that they should take the form of a gross misconduct hearing. 

The gross misconduct hearing concluded in April 2025. The officer was found to have breached the police standards of professional behaviour for integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct in relation to two of the women who made allegations. These amounted to a finding of gross misconduct and the officer was dismissed with immediate effect. They will be barred from working in policing in future.

We referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). They decided not to pursue criminal proceedings. 

We carefully considered whether there were any learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. 

We did not identify any organisational learning in this case.