Investigation into inappropriate language used in WhatsApp and the abuse of position when dealing with vulnerable member of public - Dorset Police and Hampshire Constabulary, July 2023

We received a conduct referral from Dorset Police in 2022, which led to our independent investigation and the discovery of the racially discriminatory and offensive language used by a serving police officer during a conversation relating to a dating app.

Our investigators obtained accounts from police officers concerned, reviewed mobile phone downloads, relevant legislation and force policies.

At the end of our investigation in October 2023 we advised Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary that the officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

The force agreed and arranged the hearing.

At a hearing carried out at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary headquarters, conducted by an independent, legally qualified chair in April 2024, it was determined that the officer had breached standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity and discreditable conduct. The panel gave a sanction of dismissal.

The officer will also be placed on the police barred list, preventing him from working as a police officer again.

We carefully considered whether there were any learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system, and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

In this case, the investigation has not identified any learning.