Former PC set up 'toxic' WhatsApp chat, panel told

A former PC was joint administrator of a WhatsApp group that shared comments displaying "toxic masculinity", a disciplinary panel was told.

A Northamptonshire Police gross misconduct hearing ruled that the officer, whose application for anonymity was granted, would have been dismissed without notice if he had not already resigned.

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet, who chaired the hearing, said "the group's behaviour appears to reflect a version of toxic masculinity which is aggressive, boorish and crude".

"This is a case where the officer disparaged women, used racial and ableist slurs, and took the opportunity to regularly use offensive and derogatory language," he added.

The hearing, on 9 January at the force's headquarters, heard allegations that the officer had set up a WhatsApp group called P90 Test Successful.

The chat was inappropriate and demeaning when referring to colleagues and members of the public, the panel was told.

The PC had also not reported the improper conduct of other officers who were fellow members of the group.

Balhatchet added: "Collectively, the comments consistently show disrespect to women, minority groups and persons with disabilities."

He acknowledged the former officer was "entitled to a private life, but once his conduct in his private life becomes known to the organisation, there is clear authority that the conduct should be judged according to how it affects his role as a police officer".

Balhatchet found all allegations proved and ruled the former officer had committed gross misconduct.

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