Gwent Police officers to face gross misconduct proceedings over offensive WhatsApp messages

The investigation followed a conduct referral from Gwent Police in November 2022, relating to derogatory and inappropriate messages that were found on the phone of deceased former officer Ricky Jones.

The IOPC said the scope of its investigation examined the conduct of seven serving and four former officers.

“Since the end of our investigation in October 2023, we have determined that two serving constables and one former constable had a case to answer for gross misconduct, for exchanging messages which were of a racist, misogynistic and homophobic nature,” it said.

“In addition, we found evidence that the same officers potentially failed to challenge or report inappropriate messages sent by colleagues. The three officers will face gross misconduct hearings later this year, which will be arranged by the force.

“For a further four serving officers, up to inspector rank, we found a case to answer at the level of misconduct. Last month, Gwent Police held misconduct meetings for three of the officers for allegedly failing to challenge and report inappropriate messages sent by colleagues. The case was proven for two officers, who were sanctioned with a written a warning. For a third officer, misconduct was not proven and they will take part in reflective practice. A misconduct meeting also took place for a fourth officer, who was not investigated for offensive messages, but was alleged to have provided confidential police information to a member of the public. Misconduct was proven and the officer received a written warning. This officer had previously been advised they were under criminal investigation, but we found their conduct did not meet the threshold for a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service.

“In respect of another serving officer, as a result of our inquiries, we withdrew our criminal and gross misconduct investigation over the alleged unauthorised disclosure of police information.”

The IOPC said there will not be any further action in relation to three more former officers. Two officers resigned from the force while being investigated for misconduct only, and it therefore has “no jurisdiction to reach a decision as to whether they have a case to answer”. Another former officer, against whom it considered there was an indication of gross misconduct, left the force several years prior to the start of the investigation. Under the regulations, this means the IOPC “cannot make a decision on a case to answer for them”.

During its inquiries, the IOPC carried out a digital forensic examination of Mr Jones’ phone, which led to the download and analysis of a considerable number of messages exchanged on WhatsApp between Mr Jones and several of his former colleagues. Statements were obtained and individual officers interviewed.

IOPC Director David Ford: “The content of some of the messages we examined raised serious concerns about the conduct of those police officers involved.

“We did not find any evidence to substantiate an allegation that Gwent Police tried to cover up inappropriate messages, which might have indicated corruption. The evidence showed that the searches police carried out on Ricky Jones’ phone were reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances at the time.”

We have shared our decisions with Ricky Jones’ family.

Wiltshire Police are continuing to separately investigate complaints made by the family of Mr Jones, which focus on Gwent Police’s handling of its investigation into his death and the contact officers had with them.

Gwent Police Chief Constable of Pam Kelly said: “When this matter was first reported to us in November 2022, I was shocked at the content of the WhatsApp messages and determined to ensure that this behaviour was dealt with robustly.

“Allegations against both former and serving Gwent Police officers relating to discussions on a WhatsApp group have been subject to a thorough independent investigation by the IOPC.

“The outcome of their investigation is that two serving officers and one former officer will face gross misconduct hearings which we will carry out as soon as possible. We have already held misconduct meetings for four officers; it was found that allegations of misconduct were proven for three officers who have received a written warning. For the fourth officer, misconduct was not proven.

“The IOPC withdrew their investigation into another serving officer.

“In relation to the other retired officer and those who have resigned, we are currently constrained by Police Regulations with regard to what action we are able to apply. Had they still been serving they would have faced misconduct proceedings.

“Our communities and our staff deserve the highest of standards from our officers, and we continue to work hard to deal with those who do not meet our high expectations.

“The majority of officers serve our communities with pride, professionalism and integrity. It is what the public expect and what they deserve.

“We have been abundantly clear that we will not tolerate poor behaviour and this case should act as a stark warning of the consequences of inappropriate online behaviour.”