AFTER allegations of inappropriate behaviours towards female colleagues, an Essex police officer has been dismissed and a second would have been if he had not already quit the force.

A misconduct panel, chaired by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, found PC David Hiscock breached two of the standards of professional behaviour concerning authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct, which amounted to gross misconduct.

It was alleged that he touched the bottom of a younger female member of police staff on two occasions without consent.

Another hearing, chaired by independent legally qualified chair Andrew Clemes, found that former PC Dayn Rawlings had also breached the standards of professional behaviour concerning honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

A panel heard that he behaved inappropriately towards a female colleague and had repeatedly exhibited unwanted advances of an intimate nature.

On February 19, the allegations, which amounted to gross misconduct, were found proven and it was determined former PC Rawlings would have been dismissed had he not already resigned. He was also placed on the national barred list.

Essex chief consztable Ben-Julian Harrington Harrington He said: "Each and every member of the Essex Police family rightly expects a safe, respectful and inclusive working environment where they can do their best to protect and serve the people of Essex free from unprofessional behaviour from a minority of colleagues who simply do not share our values.

"We are committed to making our force, county and communities safe for everyone and, in particular, whether in the street, in private or inside Essex Police, we will continue to tackle violence against women and girls. This remains a priority for us.