Essex Police: former constable — would have been dismissed; reporting restrictions

Essex Police held a two-day disciplinary hearing. The IOPC published the completed outcome as “gross misconduct proven against former Essex Police officer”. The officer resigned in August 2025. The panel chair imposed reporting restrictions. The officer is not named here.

The panel found the former constable breached honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct, and authority, respect and courtesy. The published sanction is that the officer would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had they not resigned.

The IOPC said that between December 2022 and October 2023 the officer formed an improper emotional relationship, not a sexual relationship, with a complainant in a historic sexual abuse case the officer was investigating. That included personal messages, sharing private details, and meetings including at the officer’s home.

The investigation followed a mandatory conduct referral in October 2023 and concluded in May 2025. A file went to the CPS. No charge was laid. No criminal conviction is recorded. No appeal is stated.

Official source: IOPC news notice.