Essex Police officer received management action over failing in child abuse investigation

14 May 2019 12:01 PM

An Essex Police officer has received management action for handing back electrical devices which contained indecent images following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

We concluded our investigation in January following a referral from Essex Police last year into potential breaches during a child abuse investigation.

Our investigation concluded that a detective constable had a case to answer for misconductafter computers containing indecent images were handed back to a suspect. We also found that the same officer did not have a case to answer for misconduct in relation to allegations that he failed to appropriately investigate the alleged offences in 2012. 

Essex Police agreed with our findings and the DC received management action.

We also concluded that a supervising officer of detective sergeant rank did not have a case to answer for misconduct.

IOPC Regional Director for the south east Sarah Green yesterday said:

 “These were serious allegations which required full and independent oversight.

 “Essex Police concurred with our assessment and one officer has now received management action.”