Transport police officers sacked over offensive WhatsApp messages
The Brighton-based pair used a private group to share disparaging comments about female officers and vulnerable members of the public
Two Brighton-based police officers have been sacked without notice after making offensive WhatsApp comments about female colleagues and members of the public.
PC Joe Le Cappelain and former PC Richard Hunter, both members of the British Transport Police (BTP), were dismissed following a remotely-held misconduct hearing last Tuesday (January 28th).
It follows an investigation launched into a private officers' group on the social media platform in October 2023.
PC Le Cappelain was found to have sent messages to the group which contained inappropriate, offensive and derogatory comments, including ones where he referred to a senior female officer as a “vile creature”, likening her to Adolf Hitler, and suggested steering her into traffic.
He also described a member of the public as a 'chav mong' in another.
PC Hunter, meanwhile, sent messages to refer to members of the public within a mental health ward in hospital as "cnts", and referring to a senior female officer as a “lazy cnt” and “a right lezza slut.”
The pair were also accused of discussing sensitive policing matters in the group, including whether a member of the public should receive a criminal record to prevent them from travelling abroad.
They faced a further allegation of failing to challenge derogatory and offensive remarks made by each other and other members of the same group.
PC Le Cappelain and former PC Hunter were found to have breached professional standards relating to authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct and challenging and reporting inappopriate behaviour.
PC Le Cappelain was dismissed from the force with immediate effect, and had he not already resigned, former PC Hunter would have been dismissed from the force with immediate effect.
British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said:
"I thank the individual who called out this unprofessional and inappropriate behaviour. It is proactive action such as this that helps to further build confidence in policing.
"The language and lack of respect for both the public and colleagues within this WhatsApp group chat is disturbing and shocking.
"I’m appalled that the officers felt it was acceptable to speak about anyone in that manner. There is no place for them or their attitudes in policing.”