A predatory senior police officer has been sacked for “preying” on junior female colleagues and having sexual contact with a woman while on duty.
Chief Superintendent Tom Simons, of Essex Police, abused his position for a sexual purpose, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said.
Married Simons touched one colleague inappropriately and failed to disclose a relationship with another.
He continued with his behaviour despite being reminded about the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, the watchdog found.
Simons ran policing in north Essex and was formerly head of the force’s Police Public Protection Unit dealing with domestic violence, victims of sexual offences and human trafficking.
Essex Police first referred the case to the IOPC in March 2022 following multiple allegations, at which time the officer was suspended.
The IOPC interviewed Simons under criminal caution, executed a search warrant of his house and checked his mobile phone and other devices as part of an investigation into his behaviour.
In January 2024, the watchdog referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider criminal charges relating to alleged sexual offences, coercive control and misconduct in public office, but in June he faced no further action.
A panel chaired by Bedfordshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy found Simons had committed gross misconduct and breached the police professional standards of behaviour.
Simons, who denied all the allegations, was dismissed without notice and will also be placed on the College of Policing barred list.
IOPC director Emily Barry said: “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.”
Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: “There is simply no place in policing for people who think, wrongly, that they can get away with sexual misconduct.
“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.”
