A FORMER Special Constable has been dismissed having been found to have committed gross misconduct.
It was alleged that between 29 May and 2 June 2024 former SC Antony Rowntree downloaded and doctored an article which had been published on the Essex Police intranet relating to the dismissal of a member of staff.
He added personal information about the former staff member in question and the behaviour for which they were dismissed with the intention of making these public by contacting national media outlets.
It was alleged that former SC Rowntree had been motivated by a personal dislike of the former staff member, and that he had sent the document to his personal email address, which he had no authorisation or legitimate policing purpose to do.
At a hearing held between 11 and 12 February a panel chaired by Assistant Chief Officer Fiona Henderson determined that, in breaching force policies on data protection and the use of force systems, former Sc Rowntree had breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to Honesty and Integrity (Integrity only) Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Confidentiality, and Discreditable Conduct.
The panel determined the breaches amounted to gross misconduct and that, had he not already resigned from the force, he would have been dismissed without notice.
Former SC Rowntree will be added to the College of Policing barred list.
ACO Henderson said: “Former SC Antony Rowntree actively went against force policy due to his active dislike of the member of staff who was dismissed.
“His actions were entirely his own, and were motivated by malice rather than a virtuous intent to shine a light on behaviour he felt was not appropriate.
“When someone behaves in a way that falls below the standards we expect, they are dealt with through appropriate proceedings, as had been the case with the staff member at the centre of former SC Rowntree’s actions.
“All officers, staff, and volunteers must aim to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason and this was not how Rowntree behaved. Policing is no place for individuals who base their decision making and actions on malice.”
