Former Sussex police officer coercive and controlling towards partner

The Sussex police officer, who was granted anonymity, had gross misconduct allegations proven against them at the hearing which took place on April 5 and 6.

The hearing was held at Sussex Police headquarters in Lewes in front of a panel led by an independent legally qualified chair (LQC), who directed that the officer would remain anonymous.  

The former officer, referred to as Officer X, was granted anonymity by the LQC after making legal representations before the hearing.

The hearing heard that the former officer, then based on East Sussex division, had engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour towards a colleague who they were in a relationship with while on and off duty and had accessed policing records for no policing purpose.

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The officer’s controlling and coercive behaviour was identified by his colleagues and reported to supervisors which led to a criminal investigation and the officer’s suspension from duty.

The criminal investigation did not result in a prosecution but the force’s professional standards department then began a misconduct investigation and referred the matter to a hearing in line with its domestic abuse pledge.

The former officer was alleged to have breached standards of professional behaviour in respect of integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct, and confidentiality.

The breaches were proven by the misconduct panel and it was determined that this amounted to gross misconduct.

Former officer X would have been dismissed without notice, had they not already resigned from the force.

The ex-officer will now be added to the College of Policing barred list which will prevent a return to policing.

"We expect our officers to act with the utmost integrity, and in accordance with the code of ethics and the standards of professional behaviour, and we have invested in a comprehensive programme of cultural change towards challenging, reporting and tackling unethical or unprofessional behaviour,” said Superintendent Petra Lazar, deputy head of professional standards.

“Criminal behaviour, misconduct, and misogyny have no place in Sussex Police.

"The actions of this officer in this case fell far short of the standards we expect, which is reflected in the findings by the panel."