Four former Metropolitan Police officers and one serving officer have been found guilty of sending vile and offensive messages in a 2019 WhatsApp group. The misconduct panel condemned their actions for breaching professional standards, citing discreditable conduct, disrespect, failure to report wrongdoing, and clear discrimination.
The panel revealed that over 6,000 messages were exchanged in the group, with more than 400 deemed shockingly offensive. Not one officer reported the abhorrent content.
Commander Jon Savell described the messages as “disgusting” and “an abomination” that no decent person could tolerate. He said, “These officers should be ashamed. Their attitudes have no place in the Met. We apologise to those hurt by their disgraceful words. These officers have failed Londoners and the vast majority of decent officers. We’re committed to rooting out rogue cops and restoring trust.”
The WhatsApp chat included vile racial abuse, sexist remarks about colleagues, mockery of crime victims, and disrespect towards diverse London communities. Despite this, only one officer challenged a message in the entire chain.
James Berry, counsel for the Commissioner and Chief Constables, criticised the officers’ conduct during the hearing: “These messages were a disgrace in 2019 and are a disgrace today. They bring deep shame to the police service. Repairing the damage to public trust demands these proceedings.”
Former PCs Joel Borders and Jonathon Cobban were convicted in September of sending grossly offensive messages under the Communications Act 2003. William Neville was acquitted. All three faced charges following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
Serving PC Gary Bailey and the others were dismissed or would have been if still in post. They will now be added to the College of Policing’s Barred List, banning them from any police or emergency services roles in the UK.
The panel also heard that PC Matthew Forster (Civil Nuclear Constabulary) and former Norfolk PC Daniel Comfort committed gross misconduct and faced dismissal.
The Metropolitan Police has vowed to strengthen anti-corruption efforts and professional standards to cleanse the force of rogue officers.
Originally published by UKNIP.
