A fresh gross misconduct bombshell has rocked the Met as six more former officers were found guilty of vile WhatsApp messages. They would have been booted without warning had they still been wearing the uniform.
Damning WhatsApp Scandal: Eight Officers Exposed
All eight officers stood accused of gross misconduct linked to a WhatsApp group active between May 2016 and June 2018. The toxic message trail included deeply offensive slurs about communities and colleagues alike.
Top Brass Speak Out
Commander Jon Savell, Professionalism, slammed their actions: “I was repulsed and ashamed to read the deeply offensive messages sent by these officers and I utterly condemn their behaviour. I am deeply sorry to those who have been the subject of such awful disgusting messages.”
He continued, “The Commissioner has been very clear about our commitment to finding and getting rid of anyone in the Met who has these highly offensive attitudes. Today’s result proves this. Our professional standards directorate has grown to over 600 staff, all focused on rooting out abuse. We know public trust depends on us cleaning house. This is another painful day and we expect more ugly revelations as investigations continue.”
Officers Found Guilty and Fired
- PC Glynn Rees and PC 1 Selway were found guilty of breaching professional standards on equality, respect, authority, challenging misconduct, and discreditable conduct. Both were dismissed without notice.
- Former Sergeant Luke Allen, PC Kelsey Buchan, PC 1 South, PC Darren Jenner, and PC Carlo Francisco also breached these standards and would have been axed.
- Former Sergeant Luke Thomas additionally failed on duties and responsibilities and faced dismissal.
The Fallout and What’s Next
At the time, all officers worked within Bexley Neighbourhood Tasking Team, except former PC Francisco from the East Area Safer Neighbourhood Team. The investigation began in March 2021 after uncovering over 6,000 offensive messages over nearly two years.
Misconduct notices were served in April 2021, placing officers on restricted duties. Five quit prior to the hearing, while one was already sacked for an unrelated matter.
All will now appear on the College of Policing’s Barred List. This means they are banned from working for the police, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services — effectively ending any policing career.
