A POLICE officer has been dismissed and another issued a final written warning for gross misconduct.

An independently chaired misconduct panel, led by legally qualified chair John Bassett, found Colchester officers Pc Jason Munns' and Pc Luke Salmon’s behaviour had breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in terms of Discreditable Conduct.

The panel agreed that following a night out in Norwich, both officers were argumentative and rude to hotel staff when asked to quieten down in the early hours of the morning.

It happened on June 18 last year.

The police were subsequently called and the officers disputed their use of powers. Pc Jason Munns has been dismissed without notice and Pc Luke Salmon has been issued with a final written warning.

After the hearing, Chief Superintendent Rachel Nolan, said:“The conduct of both officers fell well below the standard expected by the public and the force.

“The officers did not comply with warnings from hotel staff, then on police attendance, were argumentative and belligerent, disputing points of law. “Both identified themselves as Essex Police officers during the incident, which lasted for more than an hour on a Friday night.

“Whilst both officers have apologised, the public rightly expect police officers to display high standards of behaviour whether on or off duty. “The conduct of Pc Munns and Pc Salmon has damaged the reputation of Essex Police and undermined the hard work undertaken by colleagues every day.

“We would like to thank our colleagues at Norfolk Police for attending this incident.

"The public can be reassured that Essex Police will take significant and robust action against those who breach the Standards of Professional Behaviour in this way."

The hearing took place at Harlow Social Security and Child Support Tribunal, formerly Harlow Magistrates' Court, between Monday, July 10 and Thursday, July 13.