Michael Todd said the force 'got things wrong'

The letter was posted to 11,000 staff at Greater Manchester Police.

It warned workers they face the sack for any racist, sexist or any other discriminatory behaviour.

But Chief Constable Michael Todd admitted on Tuesday: "I think that this is one of those occasions where the organisation has got it wrong."

Mr Todd said it was sent to the homes of 8,000 officers and 3,000 support staff after workers at a disciplinary hearing seemed unclear on force policy.

'Best intentions'

Paul Kelly, chairman of the Greater Manchester branch of the Police Federation, said the letter was "heavy-handed".

He added: "The wording of the letter and the fact that it was sent to home addresses is lunacy, to use language like 'you will be sacked' doesn't seem very professional."

Mr Todd said some staff mistakenly thought they had been singled out with the letter, but said it was sent with the "best of intentions to address a serious issue".

He added: "I have often said in my leadership presentations that we should accept it when we have got things wrong.