A POLICE officer found to have committed gross misconduct was dismissed without notice.

Police Constable Daniel Stanley was alleged to have breached standards of policing in relation to honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct.

In his capacity as a pastor PC Stanley was alleged to have made negative comments about two members of his congregation, which he shared or permitted to be shared, on the social media profile of the church he is associated with.

At a misconduct hearing on Wednesday 25 March, chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Lucy Morris, these allegations were found proven and the officer was found to have committed gross misconduct.

He was dismissed without notice.

ACC Morris said: “PC Stanley had a position of power and authority, both as a pastor and a police officer, and had a responsibility to treat everyone connected with those roles respectfully.

“Comments of this nature are not acceptable for those in these roles.

“There are thousands of hard-working officers who are let down by his actions, which fell far below the standards we expect of those working for Essex Police.”