West Yorkshire Police Officers Found Guilty of Gross Misconduct for Offensive WhatsApp Posts

A tribunal has determined that eight West Yorkshire police officers, who were members of a WhatsApp group used to disseminate “racist and sexist” messages, are guilty of gross misconduct. Sgt Mark Otter, PC Dominique Hawkins, PC Javaid Habeeb, PC Luke Riddett, and former PCs Tom Harrison, Matthew Harrison, and Lee Hillyard were all found to have violated professional standards. Another serving officer, identified only as PC X, was also found to have breached these standards. These officers, all of whom were stationed at Pudsey police station in Leeds, were collectively found guilty of 67 allegations of gross misconduct and 40 allegations of misconduct. An additional 20 allegations were not proven. The findings were initially made in October but were officially confirmed when the misconduct hearing reconvened on Wednesday. The policing authority, which initiated the case against the officers, has argued that five officers still employed by the force should be dismissed. Their respective punishments are scheduled to be decided by the end of the week. Representing the authority, Olivia Checa-Dover stated that the WhatsApp group, which included a broader group of officers beyond the eight facing proceedings, was “characterised by routine misogyny, casual racism and the proliferation of derogatory, offensive and discriminatory language.” She also noted the presence of “mean-spirited and bullying remarks about colleagues and members of the public.” The messages included one instance where an officer suggested an alleged rape victim was “probably asking for it anyway.” Ms Checa-Dover warned that a failure to discipline the officers could negatively impact public confidence in the police and efforts to recruit officers from ethnic minority backgrounds. Another message, reportedly sent by one of the officers, read: “It’s not harassment if they say yes. Remember lads, 50 nos and one yes is still a yes.” Furthermore, an image of an Asian detainee was shared with a caption referencing terrorism. At the hearing on Wednesday, advocates for some of the involved officers contended that other police colleagues had posted similar material in the group but had not faced misconduct proceedings. In mitigation for Sgt Otter, his advocate asserted that he was “highly respected” by colleagues and that other officers, despite also posting offensive content, were “not before” the panel. In mitigation for PC X and PC Hawkins, it was argued that both were young officers and that participation in the WhatsApp group was perceived as socially “necessary.” Their advocate stated that both officers had shown “promise” in their careers and should be granted a “second chance.” For PC Habeeb, the panel was informed in mitigation that he had “used inappropriate humour to lighten the mood” and had made an “extra hard” effort to integrate into a group primarily composed of younger officers. The same advocate also mentioned that PC Matthew Harrison had been a “frank and honest” witness during the proceedings and that PC Luke Riddett was a family man with two children. The eight officers were found guilty of the following: PC X: eight allegations of gross misconduct and three allegations of misconduct. Two additional allegations were found not proven. PC Javaid Habeeb: five allegations of gross misconduct and 10 allegations of misconduct. One further allegation was not proven. PC Matthew Harrison: five allegations of gross misconduct and five allegations of misconduct. Three additional allegations were found not proven. Sgt Mark Otter: seven allegations of gross misconduct and three allegations of misconduct. One further allegation was found not proven. PC Tom Harrison: 10 allegations of gross misconduct and four allegations of misconduct. Three additional allegations were found not proven. PC Luke Riddett: 26 allegations of gross misconduct and 12 allegations of misconduct. 10 additional allegations were found not proven. PC Dominique Hawkins: four allegations of gross misconduct and two allegations of misconduct. PC Lee Hillyard: two allegations of gross misconduct and one allegation of misconduct.