North Yorkshire Police officers sacked for exchanging 'repulsively racist' WhatsApp messages

Detective Constable Danielle Kirby and Police Constable James Mills were alleged to have breached Standards of Professional Behaviour in relation to Discreditable Conduct, Authority, Respect and Courtesy, and Equality and Diversity.

WhatsApp messages exchanged between the officers from December 2018 to March 2019 were found to be racist, discriminatory and offensive in nature.

The hearing panel, which sat for four days at North Yorkshire Police Headquarters in Northallerton, decided to uphold the gross misconduct for both officers under Regulation 30 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020.

Deputy Chief Constable Mabs Hussain, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “The racist language and sentiments contained in the series of WhatsApp messages are repulsive.

“It has no place in society, let alone from people who have sworn an oath to uphold the highest standards of fairness, integrity and respect to all people.

“The evidence in this case was damning, and it is only right that the panel upheld the gross misconduct and the officers have been dismissed from North Yorkshire Police.”

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Gerry Sydenham, who chaired the panel, said: “The messages exchanged by former PC Mills and former DC Kirby contained appalling racist comments which were egregious in nature and content.

“The corrosive effect of such racist gross misconduct upon public confidence in policing cannot be understated.

“It is intolerable and devastating to the good work of other police officers who try daily to build the public's trust and confidence in policing.

“Both officers undermined the public's trust and the trust of their police force in themselves in a grave and shocking manner, causing very significant and potentially lasting damage to public confidence in policing."

Deputy Chief Constable Mabs Hussain added: “While I fully acknowledge the damage such cases have on public confidence in the police service both here in North Yorkshire and across the country, I want to make it clear that the police are overwhelmingly a force for good.

"Where behaviour of this nature is uncovered, we will take robust action.

“Our dedicated officers and staff work around the clock to keep our communities safe from harm and if you or your loved ones need our help, we will be there.

“We are also determined to make North Yorkshire Police a more diverse, inclusive and representative service.

"This is actively taking place through the recruitment of officers and staff to ensure our teams reflect the residents and communities they are proud to serve.”

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