Police officers and staff disciplined over email

A potentially racist email circulated by police officers and staff at Hertfordshire Constabulary has resulted in disciplinary action against 100 staff.

The action followed an investigation into the circulation of an email image of a black man decapitated on railings.

Eight police officers received a formal reprimand after an internal hearing, and seven police staff received final written warnings.

Although the formal hearings focused on staff who held supervisory positions, other staff in the Constabulary who had received or forwarded the images received either a formal warning or management advice.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Ash, who oversaw the investigation, said: “I am disappointed by the conduct of officers and staff who distributed this inappropriate image that some people may have perceived as being racist. Through this investigation we have been able to clearly re-state the high standards of conduct required from everyone who works for us – this is no less than our public should expect and demand of us. The discipline process has been used in respect of those individuals who contravened our organisational values and standards and clearly breached our internet security and use policy.’’

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) supervised the investigation.

DCC Ash said that the inquiry team had consulted with and received the full co-operation of the Police Federation, UNISON, the Black Police Association (BPA) and members of the Constabulary’s Independent Advisory Groups who advised on community issues. He said: "I am confident that lessons have been learnt and the Force now needs to move on but with clarity about the standards that must be upheld.”

Alicia Moore of Hertfordshire Constabulary BPA said: “The inquiry team has consulted closely with us since the beginning of this investigation and we feel that the disciplinary outcomes are appropriate.”

A UNISON spokesperson said the union had been "fully consulted and involved throughout the investigation and are satisfied that it has been dealt with in an open and appropriate manner."

Hertfordshire Constabulary said that further measures were being put in place in an effort to "track and eliminate non work-related material received by email."

(SP)