Humberside police officers dismissed following antisemitic and racist WhatsApp messages

Seven officers from Humberside Police have been dismissed following WhatsApp messages deemed antisemitic and racist.

Sexist, racist, homophobic, and misogynistic messages were also found.

In addition to the seven officers who were dismissed, two more were issued with a written warning.

The decision took place after a court hearing that ended on 30th June, although the investigation into the officers’ behaviour opened in 2019.

Six of the officers were found to have breached police standards at gross misconduct level.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Marshall said of the news: “The actions of these officers were deplorable and Humberside Police, its leadership and more importantly, our staff will not stand for this behaviour. When this information came to light, we acted swiftly and robustly, and sought to bring appropriate sanctions to those involved. That has meant that seven of those involved have been dismissed and no longer work in policing.

“The delay in reporting this to the public has been as a result of ongoing criminal proceedings in relation to some of the officers and their behaviours. I would like to reassure the community that while the actions of these officers may have tarnished their view of the police service, these aren’t the beliefs held by the overwhelming majority of officers at Humberside Police.”

Last year, the Metropolitan Police apologised after an investigation from the Independent Office for Police Conduct discovered that officers had been sharing jokes about the Auschwitz concentration camp. It was also reported that there was an antisemitic joke made with reference to “killing flies”.