PSNI officer dismissed over racist, homophobic messages

A PSNI officer has been dismissed for sending sectarian, racist, homophobic, antisemitic, and misogynistic messages to members of the public and police colleagues via WhatsApp over several months. The officer was investigated by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland for highly inappropriate and offensive communications, and eight other officers who received the messages and failed to report or challenge them were referred to the PSNI for potential breaches of the PSNI Code of Ethics.

The complainant contacted the Police Ombudsman when the police officer continued to send the material despite being asked to stop on two occasions. The messages contained highly inappropriate and offensive material, and digital analysis of the officer's phone showed he had sent multiple images and videos to the complainant, other members of the public, and other police officers.

The police officer's behavior was found to be sustained, consistent, and a breach of the PSNI Code of Ethics, including those relating to professional duty and officers' commitment to integrity.

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