In a shocking revelation, six former Metropolitan Police officers have been charged with sending “grossly offensive” racist messages on WhatsApp. The charges have been laid under the Communications Act, and although the officers retired between 2001 and 2015, they are now facing the consequences of their alleged actions.
These officers, who previously served in various roles within the Metropolitan Police, including the Diplomatic Protection Group, now known as the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, found themselves under investigation after the BBC’s Newsnight shed light on their inappropriate communications. The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards initiated the investigation, which revealed that these offensive messages were exchanged within a closed WhatsApp group from August 2018 until September 2022.
The six former officers charged in this case were not serving within the force at the time the alleged offences took place. However, the seriousness of the matter has led to their appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 7th September.
Commander James Harman, head of the Met’s Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, emphasized the importance of taking swift action and launching an investigation as soon as they became aware of the allegations. He expressed his satisfaction with the hard work of his team in securing these charges and highlighted the commitment of the majority of Met officers to addressing corruption and abusive behavior within the force.
The Metropolitan Police have been grappling with public trust issues due to several high-profile incidents involving officers or former officers in recent years. Commander Harman acknowledged this and stressed the need to rebuild trust with the communities they serve. The majority of officers are fully supportive of these efforts and are tired of being let down by a minority whose actions tarnish the reputations of all.
Commander Harman acknowledged that announcements regarding the outcome of investigations may raise further public concern. However, he hopes that these charges demonstrate the police force’s unwavering commitment to investigating any instances of corrupt and abusive behavior. Transparency and accountability are vital in order to regain and maintain the public’s trust.
The charges against the six former Metropolitan Police officers mark a significant step towards holding individuals accountable for their offensive and racist behavior. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts of the Metropolitan Police to address corruption and abusive conduct within their ranks. Rebuilding public trust is a priority, and the majority of officers fully support these endeavors. By taking swift action against those who act inappropriately, the Metropolitan Police aims to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the values of integrity and fairness within the force.
Leave a Reply