Officer sacked over false hospital attendance claims

A police officer has been dismissed after lying about taking his baby son to hospital appointments. An Essex Police misconduct hearing was told Police Constable Anthony Crick took his child to Colchester Hospital with breathing issues in April 2017. However, he was dishonest about his movements, claiming to be at the hospital when he was not. The panel heard how the Maldon-based officer claimed he was still in hospital, and would therefore not be available for duty the next day, when he had already left. PC Crick also falsely claimed he was at the hospital to excuse himself from further duties on separate occasions. Chief Superintendent Carl O’Malley said although the circumstances had been “traumatic” for PC Crick, officers must “tell the truth”. He added: “PC Crick had been provided with considerable support by the force in managing his attendance issues over the past few years and this support will always be available for staff and officers. “However, to tell lies to supervisors and colleagues is inexcusable and the force will not tolerate dishonesty.”