Ex-Police Officer Slammed for Gross Misconduct After Domestic Abuse Claims
Gross Misconduct Upheld at Secret Hearing
A former police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct following a disciplinary hearing held on April 5 and 6 at 1 headquarters. The hearing, chaired by an Independent Legally Qualified Chair (LQC), kept the officer’s identity under wraps to protect anonymity.
Investigation Uncovers Serious Breaches
Despite no criminal charges being filed, the force’s Professional Standards Department conducted a thorough misconduct probe. The investigation followed the force’s strict domestic abuse pledge, which condemns all forms of abuse with zero tolerance.
The ex-officer, stationed on the 123, was found to have violated key professional standards including Integrity, Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Discreditable Conduct, and Confidentiality. These serious breaches qualified as gross misconduct.
Career Over: Forced Resignation and Barred From Policing
Had the officer not already quit, dismissal without notice was guaranteed. Now, their name will be added to the College of Policing Barred list, permanently banning them from working in law enforcement again.
Force Vows Zero Tolerance on Misconduct
Superintendent Petra Lazar, deputy head of Professional Standards, said: “We expect our officers to act with the utmost integrity, in line with the Code of Ethics and Professional Behaviour standards. We have invested heavily in cultural change to challenge and stamp out unprofessional conduct. Criminal behaviour, misconduct, and misogyny have no place in Sussex Police.”
“This officer’s actions fell far below our standards, as the panel’s findings clearly show.”
