Three former Gwent Police officers have been dismissed without notice after a misconduct hearing found they shared 'abhorrent' messages in a private WhatsApp group, including racist jokes, homophobic slurs, and images mocking a domestic abuse victim.
The officers — identified only as PC A, PC B, and PC C — were part of a group of eight that exchanged the messages between 2022 and 2024. An IOPC investigation began after a whistleblower came forward. The three admitted sending or forwarding the content but argued it was 'banter' and not intended for public view.
The panel rejected that defense, stating that 'police officers must uphold the highest standards of conduct both on and off duty. This behavior corrodes public trust.'
Wider cultural concerns
Gwent Police Chief Constable Pam Kelly said the force has since implemented mandatory annual ethics training and established a confidential reporting hotline for misconduct. 'There is no place for discrimination or misogyny in policing,' she said.
The five remaining officers involved in the group remain under investigation. The IOPC has referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider potential criminal charges for sending malicious communications.
Police officers must uphold the highest standards of conduct both on and off duty. This behavior corrodes public trust and is completely unacceptable.
All three dismissed officers have been added to the College of Policing's barred list, preventing them from future employment in any UK police force.
