Employee fired for having a romantic relationship with a subordinate

A police officer has been terminated for serious misconduct after engaging in a relationship with a junior colleague without reporting it. Former PC James Swales was also found to have made unwanted advances toward other colleagues, according to an Essex Police disciplinary panel.

The inappropriate behavior occurred between 2020 and 2023 and violated multiple professional conduct standards.

Assistant Chief Officer Fiona Henderson, who led the panel, stated: "Ex-PC Swales' treatment of these women is completely unacceptable."

Failure to Disclose and Unwelcome Advances

The panel heard that Mr. Swales did not inform a supervisor or the Professional Standards Department about his relationship with the junior colleague. Additionally, after attempting an unwelcome approach to another colleague, he continued inappropriate interactions through social media. He also sent unsuitable messages to a third colleague while pursuing another unwanted intimate relationship.

Breaches of Professional Standards

The misconduct panel determined that his actions violated standards related to honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity, and discreditable conduct. He was dismissed immediately for gross misconduct and added to the College of Policing barred list.

ACO Henderson praised the women for providing "honest and credible" testimony. She emphasized: "Mr. Swales held a position of trust and responsibility, yet his behavior was repeated over time. No one should endure this at work, and Essex Police will not tolerate it."

She added: "Given the severity of the proven misconduct and the lack of insight or remorse, dismissal without notice was the only appropriate outcome."

Author: Aiden Foster