A father and daughter who worked as police officers exchanged “repulsive” WhatsApp messages mocking crime victims and insulting colleagues, a disciplinary panel has heard.
The pair, both named PC Napier, sent “highly derogatory and offensive” messages to each other while serving with West Midlands Police between April 2020 and May 2021.
The messages contained discriminatory language targeting people based on disability, race, nationality, gender and sexual orientation.
The father, described as the “main instigator”, and his daughter made offensive comments about members of the public, victims of crime, and fellow officers.
Evidence presented at two separate hearings in November revealed both officers held “deeply ingrained hostility” towards others.
The pair sent messages whole working for the force between April 2020 and May 2021
WikiCommons/PA
The father used a derogatory term to describe someone with Down’s syndrome and referred to black mental health staff with racist slurs.
In one disturbing exchange about a crime scene, the daughter asked: “Is she mangled?”
The father replied: “She’s face down, so can’t see a lot of blood around her head,” to which his daughter responded: “Oooo! You think it’s murder?”
“Who knows and dares to dream. I’ll let you know when I know, babe,” the father wrote back.
The dad also described one crime as a “crappy p***** up slag rape scene” and modified the West Midlands Police emblem with an offensive phrase. The pair “gained amusement” from their use of derogatory language, the panel heard.
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The pair served for West Midlands Police
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During a protest, the father sent a message complaining about protesters lying in the road, saying “the gaffer won’t let us get out and baton them.” His daughter responded by suggesting they should “Drive them over.”
At the scene of a child death, the daughter sent a message asking: “Yeah I heard about it not good, is it trampy?”
When discussing a retired female officer who had returned to work, the father made derogatory comments about her appearance and sexuality.
His daughter responded with violent threats, saying: “Does she want me to f** fly kick her in the face? The only dirt I’ll get on my dress is her f**** blood.” The father later added: “Old, ugly and jealous. It’s embarrassing.”
Both officers resigned from West Midlands Police earlier this year and neither has offered an apology for their actions, BirminghamLive reports.
The disciplinary panel found they would have been dismissed had they still been serving officers.
Their actions breached professional standards relating to authority, respect and courtesy; equality and diversity; and discreditable conduct.
A report concluded: “These are very serious breaches which grossly undermine public confidence, bring discredit upon West Midlands Police as they completely disrespected colleagues, victims and the public alike.”
“They knowingly and consciously decided to communicate in such a repulsive manner which demonstrates a palpable level of disrespect for difference and protected characteristics.”
The majority of the “repugnant” chats were led by the father, though his daughter was described as a “willing participant.”
