Ms Checa-Dover added that in a conversation about “naked Uno” Sgt Otter made derogatory and offensive comments of a sexual nature about two people.
She said PC Riddett wrote in the chat: “It’s not harassment if they say yes. Remember lads, 50 nos and one yes is still a yes.”
Ms Checa-Dover said the officers did not deny their involvement in the WhatsApp group but argued that it “was an expression of dark humour, a vehicle through which they would process traumatic experiences, a forum in which to express themselves freely, seek support from their colleagues and provide support to others”.
Det Ch Supt Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said: “This misconduct hearing looked not only at the actions of this group but also their inaction.
“The lack of challenge and complicity of a supervisor being involved in these conversations has allowed a culture of routine misogyny, casual racism and bullying to develop within this team.”
Independent Office for Police Conduct regional director Emily Barry said: “The disgraceful behaviour and attitudes we found in these messages are totally unacceptable and have no place in policing.
Our investigation has ensured those responsible have received serious sanctions – and that the worst offenders will never again wear the uniform.”
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