PSNI Officer Dismissed for Racist, Offensive WhatsApp Messages

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officer was dismissed for repeatedly sending highly inappropriate and offensive WhatsApp messages, which included sectarian, racist, homophobic, anti-Semitic, misogynistic, and sexualized content, even while on duty. The messages were sent over several months and continued despite requests to stop, leading the complainant to report the behavior to the Police Ombudsman. Nikki Davis, director of investigations at the Ombudsman's office, emphasized that the behavior was sustained and consistent, not a one-off lapse in judgment, and that the officer did not view the messages as offensive or a breach of the PSNI Code of Ethics. The messages, which also targeted women with gender-based hate speech, were found to undermine the PSNI's commitment to ending violence against women and girls. Eight other officers who received the messages but failed to report or challenge them have been referred to the PSNI for potential breaches of the Code of Ethics. Following the Ombudsman's investigation, files were submitted to the Public Prosecution Service concerning potential offenses including Misconduct in Public Office and sending grossly offensive messages.