THE divisional commander for Essex Police, Ben Hodder has been dismissed from the force today (April 24th).
Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh ordered that Mr Hodder was sacked with immediate effect on Friday April 24 after presiding over disciplinary meetings.
Chief Inspector Ben Hodder, aged 34, from Thurrock, was sentenced on Friday April 17. He was given a six month jail term, suspended for two years, after admitting one count of making indecent images of children.
He was also made subject of a six-month electronic curfew as part of a 12-month supervision order, told to pay a £1,200 fine and sign on the sex offenders’ register for seven years.
He was given fast track disciplinary hearings after he admitted the offences against him and as this provided incontrovertible evidence that gross misconduct had been committed.
He was the first fast track hearings to be carried out by Essex Police in more than four years.
Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: "Every day I hear of Essex Police officers placing their lives on the line to save others, stop crime and bring offenders to justice.
"This force has a huge amount to be proud of which is why I find it hugely disappointing when rogue officers like these two let down their colleagues and the people of Essex so badly.
"There is no place in my Force for people who commit offences like these and any officer or staff member convicted of similar crimes can expect to be dismissed.
"I would like to pay tribute to the victims in these cases who had the courage to report these crimes and see them through to the court.
"I want to make sure that Essex Police employs only the bravest and the best and if anyone has concerns about the conduct or behaviour of any of my officers or staff I would urge them to report it to us on 101.”
