Cop Fired Over Inappropriate WhatsApp Flirtations with Vulnerable Woman
PC Whitehead Binned for Gross Misconduct
A police officer has been sacked after sending inappropriate WhatsApp messages to a vulnerable woman he was supposed to protect. The damning revelations came during an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing at Greater Manchester Police HQ on September 19, 2023.
Flirtatious Messages on Duty Phone
PC Robert Whitehead used his work phone to message the woman, known as Miss A, after drawing up her care plan. She had previously been reported missing. Chief Constable Stephen Watson revealed Whitehead knew she was vulnerable but still “engaged in flirtatious messaging” back in November 2022. The texts later moved to his personal phone, with Whitehead telling Miss A to delete all messages and photos.
Victim Reports Abuse; Officer Suspended
Feeling threatened, Miss A reported the exchanges to GMP, sparking Whitehead’s suspension. His lawyer admitted the messages were “misjudged” but denied any sexual or romantic intent. Despite this, Chief Constable Watson blasted Whitehead’s conduct as a serious breach of professional standards. “While some messages might have been about checking on her well-being, many were grossly inappropriate and sexual in nature,” he said. “Whitehead knew his actions were wrong.”
IOPC Investigates; Officer Barred for Life
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a probe after GMP referred the case. Whitehead, who served in Tameside, has now been added to the College of Policing Barred List, meaning he can never work in policing again.
Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Allen said: “Having abused his position by departing from the highest standards of professional behaviour, it is right he was dismissed and barred from policing for life.”
