Four GMP officers to face disciplinary proceedings over ‘offensive language’
Four Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers who are alleged to have engaged in conversations of a discriminatory inappropriate and offensive nature will face misconduct hearings following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
The investigation began in July 2024 after a conduct referral from the force.
“We concluded our investigation and sent our final report with our provisional opinions to the force in June,” the IOPC said.
“GMP agreed with our opinion that the four officers – two sergeants and two police constables – have a case to answer for gross misconduct for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour relating to equality and diversity, authority, respect and courtesy, honesty and integrity, challenging and reporting improper conduct and duties and responsibilities.”
The investigation looked into allegations that officers “openly engaged in conversations and either used, or failed to challenge, offensive language”.
In total, ten GMP officers were subject to two investigations. On conclusion after analysing the evidence, the IOPC decided five officers did not have a case to answer for gross misconduct or misconduct.
Following the conclusion of a separate investigation in January, a GMP police constable, who made a racist and discriminatory comment about another colleague was dismissed without notice following an accelerated misconduct hearing in February.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Officers are committed to maintain exemplary standards of conduct, integrity and professionalism so allegations like this are extremely concerning.
“It was vital for public confidence in policing that such matters were subject to thorough and independent scrutiny.
“It will now be for a police disciplinary panel to consider the evidence and reach a decision based on all the available information.”