A chief superintendent from Essex Police has been dismissed after engaging in sexual activity with a woman while on duty, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Tom Simons was found to have abused his senior rank for sexual purposes involving two women. The IOPC said this included inappropriately touching a colleague and failing to declare a relationship with another woman.
Despite being reminded of the need to uphold professional boundaries, Simons continued his misconduct, the watchdog found.
The force initially referred the case to the IOPC in March 2022 following several complaints. Simons was suspended at the time, Essex Police confirmed.
Tom Simons from Essex Police was found to have abused his senior rank for sexual purposes involving two women
PAAs part of their inquiry, the IOPC interviewed Simons under criminal caution, executed a search warrant at his residence, and examined his mobile phone and other devices.
In January 2024, the case was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration of possible charges, including sexual offences, coercive control, and misconduct in public office. However, the CPS decided in June not to pursue criminal charges.
Following a misconduct hearing chaired by Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy of Bedfordshire Police, Simons was found to have committed gross misconduct and breached police professional standards.
He denied all allegations but was dismissed without notice and will now be added to the College of Policing’s barred list.
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IOPC director Emily Barry praised the women who reported his behaviour: “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.
“He has deservedly lost his job and it's behaviour like this that damages the public's trust and confidence in police officers.”
Chief Constable of Essex Police, Ben-Julian Harrington, said: “There is simply no place in policing for people who think, wrongly, that they can get away with sexual misconduct.
As part of their inquiry, the IOPC interviewed Simons under criminal caution, executed a search warrant at his residence, and examined his mobile phone and other devices
IOPC
“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.”
