A SERVING officer was dismissed with immediate effect after being found to have committed gross misconduct.
Ex-Detective Sergeant Nicholas Riley concealed a work telephone in an office belonging to his line manager and, between February and April 2025, used the device a number of times to remotely listen to conversations taking place in the room.
The actions took place whilst ex-DS Riley was on duty.
It was alleged that ex-DS Riley breached standards of professional behaviour in honesty and integrity, confidentiality and discreditable conduct.
During an accelerated misconduct hearing chaired by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington on Friday 19 December, ex-DS Riley’s behaviour was found to be proven at gross misconduct level, and he was dismissed without notice.
He was also placed on the College of Policing barred list.
The chief constable said: “This behaviour is clearly not in keeping with the incredibly high standards to which we hold our officers and staff at Essex Police.
“Once the behaviour was proven, the only acceptable outcome for this now-former officer was dismissal.”
He added: “The public rightly expects the officers who serve them to behave with integrity and honestly at the centre of their values. When this does not happen, we never hesitate in taking robust action, as this hearing shows.”
