Met Police investigates 40,000 WhatsApp messages from 22 officers
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 14:28 · Archive
The Metropolitan Police is investigating approximately 40,000 messages from a WhatsApp group used by 22 officers from its East Area command.
The Metropolitan Police is investigating a WhatsApp group allegedly used by officers from its East Area command unit, with 22 placed on restricted duties pending the outcome. The Directorate of Professional Standards has seized approximately 40,000 messages from the group. The investigation could eventually involve up to 30 police personnel, ranging from constable to inspector rank.
The messages are reported to contain racist comments, including allegations that a Muslim officer made disparaging remarks referring to 'white trash' at theme parks. The officer is said to deny any racist intent. Other 'inappropriate' messages in the group are alleged to include sexist content, mocking of domestic violence victims and vulnerable people, and references celebrating the use of excessive force on prisoners.
Met Police became aware of the WhatsApp group on 11 October and referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The Met told the Daily Mail: 'The messages are reported to include unprofessional and insensitive language, potential data breaches and breaches of confidentiality.' The force added that at this stage there is no indication any activity meets the criminal threshold. Chief Superintendent Dan Card, who leads policing in the area, said: 'We know that news of this investigation may raise some concerns, both for members of the local community and within our own policing teams.'
How it is being reported
- Met Police officers accused of racist comments about white peopleAn inquiry into a police WhatsApp group, said to be the largest-ever, has led to disciplinary notices being served on 22 police officers. The officers are said to have been serving within the Metropolitan Police's East Area command. The investigation, led by The Sun, could affect up to 30 police personnel, ranging from constable to inspector rank. The probe has seen approximately 40,000 messages seized by the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say A source described the probe of the WhatsApp group, allegedly used by the officers, as unprecedented in its…GB News · 13 Nov, 14:01
- Muslim officer accused of making 'racist comments about white people' in police WhatsApp group as major Met probe sees 22 on restricted dutiesThe alleged message - which is said to have discussed 'white trash' at theme parks - is one of a staggering 40,000 comments being scrutinised by Met Police.Daily Mail · 13 Nov, 11:16
In this story: Metropolitan Police · East Area command · Directorate of Professional Standards · Independent Office for Police Conduct · Dan Card
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