Police officer receives warning after misconduct

An investigation by Essex Police’s Professional Standards Department found that PC Thomas Lee was guilty of misconduct after intervening in an incident in Colchester on 9 July 2023.

He had seen a man waiting in an ambulance and told him that he had been attacked.

Police Officer Lee’s colleague reviewed surveillance camera footage, which confirmed that the victim had been attacked.

The misconduct investigation revealed that Officer Lee failed to listen to the victim or his colleague and falsely told dispatch that the victim had not been assaulted but had suffered facial injuries as a result of a fall.

Furthermore, he failed to register the assault as a criminal offense or to take steps to secure evidence.

He was accused of conducting himself in breach of Essex Police’s standards of professional duty and responsibility and of conducting himself dishonourably.

At a hearing on 27 August, the misconduct was proven and PC Lee was given a written warning valid for 18 months.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said: “Commissioner Lee’s actions fell far short of the high standards we demand and expect every day at Essex Police.

“All victims of crime must be treated with courtesy and respect, listened to, supported and protected. This is the absolute minimum standard set out in police training and reflected in all our policies to help them during this very distressing time.

“The public rightly expects that all allegations of criminal offenses will be thoroughly and thoroughly investigated.

“I want to assure the public that the vast majority of officers, staff and volunteers are fully committed to serving our communities professionally and to the highest standards.”