Officer dismissed for inappropriate sexual contact with female colleagues

Chief Superintendent Tom Simons was found to have abused his senior position for a sexual purpose in relation to one woman; had sexual contact with women while on duty; touched a colleague inappropriately; and failed to disclose his relationship with a woman.

His conduct, which related to two female colleagues, was found to have breached the police professional standards of behaviour relating to integrity; authority, respect and courtesy; duties and responsibilities; and discreditable conduct.

Despite being reminded about the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and the need to demonstrate the highest level of integrity and professional standards, he continued with his behaviour.

Chief Supt Simons denied all the allegations but a misconduct hearing, chaired by Bedfordshire Police Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy, found the case for gross misconduct was proven.

He was dismissed without notice and will also be placed on the policing barred list.

Essex Police had referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in March 2022 following multiple allegations, at which time the officer was suspended.

The IOPC said it conducted a full criminal investigation, which concluded in December 2023. The following month it referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider criminal charges relating to alleged sexual offences, coercive control and misconduct in public office.

In June 2024 the CPS made the decision that the officer would not be charged.

Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington QPM said: “There is simply no place in policing for people who think, wrongly, that they can get away with sexual misconduct.

“I pay tribute to the witnesses in this case and to those who supported them in coming forward. You saw something that was wrong and then you did the right thing. I want to praise your courage in being up-standing and in trusting us to see this through.

“It’s super-clear in Essex; if you speak up, you’ll be listened to and there will be action to help you. But if you try to get away with sexual misconduct or the kind of abhorrent behaviour we have seen in this case, we’ll catch you. We’ll investigate you and if allegations are proved then we’ll do everything in our power to make sure you never work in policing again.

“I will be completely frank. This case is particularly disappointing given the seniority of the former officer.

“This case and the outcome also shows that whoever you are, if you do something wrong you’ll be held to account for it.

“I won’t allow anyone, whoever they are, to put selfish actions before public service or to be part of Essex Police.

“I’ll also make a promise that I won’t let the good work of thousands of honest, decent Essex Police staff, officers and volunteers be undone by one person.

“Finally, I would like to thank the professional journalists who have reported on this important matter so responsibly; you are helping to shine a light on a serious case while rightly protecting the anonymity of a number of people who so bravely spoke-up.

“I would also like to thank the Essex Police detectives who helped the IOPC gather the evidence; your dedication to duty is clear to see.”

The chair of the misconduct hearing decided that the matter would be heard in private but, following a submission from the force, which the IOPC supported, and from the media, it was decided that, as the case against him was proven, the officer should be named, while protecting the identities of the women involved.

IOPC Director Emily Barry said: “I would like to praise the courage of the women, preyed on by this officer, who came forward to report his behaviour.

“They faced pressure from him as a senior officer, but it’s thanks to them that our investigation was able to gather the strong evidence that was put before the panel at the misconduct hearing, resulting in his dismissal.

“Officers who abuse their position for a sexual purpose have absolutely no place in policing. Despite being reminded about his behaviour and maintaining professional boundaries, Chief Supt Simons continued to behave inappropriately.

“He has deservedly lost his job and it’s behaviour like this that damages the public’s trust and confidence in police officers.”