A FORMER Essex Police officer has been found to have committed gross misconduct at an accelerated misconduct hearing in front of Chief Constable Harrington, on 20 Aug 2024.

It was alleged former PC Harry Elsey had breached standards of professional behaviour in relation to honesty and integrity, and duties and responsibilities.

It was alleged that in September 2023, while working in the Control and Command Centre, former PC Elsey called in sick to work for two shifts, when in fact he went out of the country on holiday, without annual leave being authorised.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington found former PC Harry Elsey would have been dismissed had he still been serving.

Chief Constable Harrington said:

“It is clear that Harry Elsey’s absence from work, his lies to cover it up let this force and the public down. Equally he let the hard-working colleagues in the Essex Police control room down by his selfish, immature and dishonest behaviour. Every day they work hard, along with the rest of the force, to respond to people who need our help. He showed disdain for this and rightly has no place in policing.

“We expect all officers and staff to always conduct themselves with the highest levels of integrity and honesty – and the people of Essex rightly expect that.

“The overwhelming majority of Essex Police officers and staff work tirelessly and ethically to protect and serve the people of Essex. But when their actions fall below the high standards we expect and risk undermining the trust and confidence the people of Essex have in their force, we will act swiftly and robustly.”