Ex-Detective Inspector Banned for Life Over ‘Deplorable’ Conduct
A former detective inspector has been permanently barred from policing after a gross misconduct hearing revealed he would have been fired if he hadn’t already quit. Steve Wragg faced multiple serious allegations during a public hearing on August 11.
Disgraceful WhatsApp Messages and Corruption Claims
- Between April 2020 and January 2022, Wragg exchanged inappropriate, misogynistic, and discriminatory WhatsApp messages. Some messages referenced a man who died from a drugs overdose at a scene Wragg had attended as an officer.
- He failed to report or challenge a colleague’s similarly inappropriate WhatsApp messages during the same period.
- In June 2021, Wragg conspired to leak information about an inspector promotion process to give a candidate an unfair advantage.
Investigation and Fallout
Nottinghamshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate launched a thorough inquiry after being alerted to Wragg’s behaviour. Eight staff affected and the deceased man’s family were kept informed throughout.
“Wragg behaved in a deplorable manner,” said Detective Superintendent Hayley Williams, Head of Professional Standards. “We don’t want anyone working for our force sharing these views, in or outside work.”
“His conduct fell way below the high standards we expect. He resigned in February 2023, but today’s hearing confirmed he would have been dismissed. He’s now on the College of Policing barred list and banned from policing for life.”
“Public trust is vital, and we will act swiftly against anyone who threatens it.”
Chief Constable Kate Meynell slammed Wragg’s behaviour as “abhorrent and completely unacceptable.”
“This will not be tolerated. We will remove anyone who fails to meet our exceptionally high standards without hesitation. Their actions undermine the brave work of colleagues risking their lives daily to keep the public safe.”
