Six GMP officers dismissed over racist behaviour towards colleague
Six Greater Manchester Police officers have been dismissed without notice after a misconduct panel found they had committed gross misconduct following allegations of racial discrimination against a colleague.
Two former officers were also found to have committed gross misconduct and would have been dismissed had they still been serving with the force. A ninth officer was found to have committed misconduct and was given a written warning.
GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate launched an investigation in July 2024 after receiving a report that an officer had been subjected to racist behaviour by colleagues in the Bury district in December 2023.
The misconduct panel found that the actions of PCs Demi Green, Heena Rani, Lucy Granby, Matthew Barlow, Matthew Hill and Mohammed Abid amounted to gross misconduct. Former PC Jake Holt and another former officer, who has been granted anonymity, were also found to have committed gross misconduct.
Sergeant Adrian Bick was found to have committed misconduct and was issued with a written warning.
The panel heard that the officer who made the complaint, who has African heritage and has been granted anonymity, had her accent mimicked by a group of colleagues. She was also compared to a suspect with a similar skin colour, while PC Abid made a derogatory comment about her hair.
The misconduct hearing lasted for just over two weeks and the panel concluded that the officers had breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to equality and diversity, authority, respect and courtesy.
Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods praised the courage of the officer who had reported the behaviour. “No officer or member of staff should have to come to work and experience discriminatory behaviour from the people they serve alongside,” he said.
“Everyone has the right to feel respected, valued and part of the same team with a shared commitment to serving our communities and keeping people safe.”
Mr Woods added: “I would like to acknowledge the courage of the officer who came forward and reported these concerns. It is important that people have the confidence to speak up, knowing they will be listened to and supported.”
Eight of the officers and former officers will be added to the College of Policing’s Barred List.
GMP said work had been carried out in the Bury district since the investigation began to address concerns raised by officers, staff and community representatives and to help build trust and confidence.