A joke about a sex crime was shared in the chats which started in 2013
A group of police officers who shared discriminatory messages with each other as they exchanged “banter” in a group chat could be thrown out of the force.
All the officers admit they shared messages which included:
someone being nicknamed “big gay bear” by the group.
The phrase “big gay purple head”
The chat group was set up by a sergeant.
Notice of gross misconduct hearing
Eight police constables are due to appear before a gross misconduct hearing.
Proceedings initially started in January this year when the case was part heard and subsequently adjourned until a later date.
UPDATE as of 7 September: The panel will not be sitting today and are now due to reconvene tomorrow morning at 9.30am, Friday 8 September
The panel is now due to reconvene on Monday 4 September and it has been determined that the case will be heard in public. The hearing is expected to last five days.
The officers will answer allegations relating to offensive or discriminatory messages that were exchanged within a private phone messaging group in 2013 and 2014.
The professional standards of behaviour they are alleged to have breached, in part or in full, are:
- Authority, respect and courtesy
- Equality and diversity
- Discreditable conduct
- Challenging and reporting improper conduct
The hearing will take place at the National Training Centre in Gilmour Close, Beaumont Leys, starting at 10:30am. (Please note: The time of the hearing has changed from the original advertised time of 9:30am to 10:30am)
To register your intention to attend the hearing, please fill out this online application form.
Attending a public hearing
In respect of forthcoming hearings a public notice will be accessible from this site. The notice provides information about the hearing including how to apply to attend. It also gives details of any exclusions or attendance conditions which have been set by the person who is to chair the hearing. It is anticipated that the following conditions will always apply.
Venues will have limited capacity and as such entry will be on a 'first come first served basis'.
Members of the public are required to be in possession of valid photographic identification upon arrival and produce it upon request. Failure to do so will lead to entry being declined.
The use of filming, photographic or recording equipment will not permitted during the hearing, neither will be the use of other mobile devices.
Members of the public attending the hearing do so at their own expense.
Any person whose behaviour is deemed likely to disrupt proceeding may be excluded.
Other restrictions may apply at the discretion of the person chairing or conducting the misconduct hearing.
To attend a public hearing, please complete the online application form.
