A police officer has been sacked for sending racist and discriminatory messages in a WhatsApp group. A number of other Dorset Police officers were handed final warnings over the messages that were discriminatory, offensive and inappropriate towards the travelling community and individuals with disabilities.
Serving Police Constable Mark Philpotts was dismissed without notice after a misconduct hearing at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith which concluded last Thursday (January 16). The panel found that he had breached the standards of professional behaviour after sending discriminatory and offensive messages and failing to challenge the behaviour of others.
Meanwhile, his serving colleagues Police Sergeant Kennie Wilson and Police Constable Kate Trent were found guilty of misconduct at the same hearing. They were handed final warnings which will remain on their files for two years and four years respectively.
PS Wilson was a police constable when the messages were sent in 2022. He did not directly send any derogatory messages and questioned the conduct of others on the group before leaving it. However, he failed to raise the concerns anywhere else.
Former Police Constables Matthew Williamson and Daniel Moore, as well as former Acting Special Sergeant Timothy Borrill, previously admitted gross misconduct outside of the hearing in relation to the matter. The panel ruled that they would all have been dismissed without notice had they still been serving.
As well as discriminatory, racist and offensive messages being sent on the WhatsApp group, the panel heard how former PC Williamson had posed for a photo with a sex toy at a vulnerable person’s home. This image was later requested by former PC Moore to be posted into the group.
On another occasion, former Acting Special Police Sergeant Borrill asked for information in relation to an ongoing incident involving a person he knew to be shared with him without a proper policing purpose. All of the WhatsApp messages came to light in 2022.
Dorset Police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in July 2022 and an independent investigation commenced. The investigation concluded in November 2023 and it was found that the former and serving officers did have a case to answer for gross misconduct.
The outcome for each officer was as follows:
- PS Kennie Wilson was found to have breached the standard of professional behaviour for Discreditable Conduct. The outcome was a finding of misconduct and he was given a final written warning which will last for two years.
- PC Kate Trent was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour for Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Equality and Diversity and Discreditable Conduct. The outcome was a finding of misconduct and she was handed a final written warning which will last four years.
- PC Mark Philpotts was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour for Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Equality and Diversity and Discreditable Conduct. The outcome was a finding of gross misconduct and he was dismissed without notice.
- Former Acting Special Police Sergeant Timothy Borrill was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour for Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Equality and Diversity, Confidentiality and Discreditable Conduct. The outcome was a finding of gross misconduct and the panel ruled that he would have been dismissed without notice had he still been serving.
- Former PC Matthew Williamson was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour for Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Equality and Diversity and Discreditable Conduct. The outcome was a finding of gross misconduct and the panel ruled that he would have been dismissed without notice had he still been serving.
- Former PC Daniel Moore was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour for Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct. The outcome was a finding of gross misconduct and the panel ruled that he would have been dismissed without notice had he still been serving.
All officers who were dismissed or would have been dismissed if they had still been serving will now be placed on the barred list. This prevents them from rejoining the police in future.
‘Unacceptable’ messages
Following the hearing, Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “I was very disappointed to hear about this behaviour involving a group of officers, who are expected to demonstrate high standards and the varying outcomes of the panel reflects the seriousness of this.
“While these unacceptable messages were sent over four years ago, we remain resolute in continuing with our ongoing work to ensure we have a culture within the organisation where any conduct, which is contrary to the Equality Act, the Code of Ethics and the Professional Standards of Behaviour, will not be tolerated and will result in serious consequences.
“We know the vast majority of employees within the organisation are professional and do not demonstrate conduct that has been heard in this hearing. Unfortunately, these officers did not meet these high standards, which has potential to impact negatively on public confidence and damages the reputation of the Force.
“We are committed to investigating any unethical or unacceptable behaviour relating to a member of our organisation and I would encourage members of the public to report any concerns to the Force so they can be thoroughly investigated.”
Dorset Police added: “Anyone can make a report to Dorset Police by calling 101, emailing [email protected] or visiting the Force website. Alternatively, members of the public can contact the IOPC – details of which can be found via their website here.
“Information can also be submitted to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, which is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers. You can contact the service by calling 0800 085 0000 or via Crimestoppers’ website to provide information you have about a serving police officer, staff member or volunteer.”