Police Launch Inquiry Into Officer's BNP Links

Merseyside Police are investigating whether a serving constable is a member of the British National Party (BNP).

PC Steve Bettley's name was one of thousands on the leaked BNP membership list, posted online.

Police officers have been banned from joining the far-right party over fears it could damage race relation, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

A Merseyside police spokesman said: "We understand that the BNP names a Steve Bettley for an alleged association with the party.

"Whether Merseyside PC Steve Bettley was, or is, a member of BNP is subject to an ongoing inquiry."

He added: "Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe has reiterated our position that membership of the British National Party is totally incompatible with the duties and values of Merseyside Police.

"We will not accept a police officer or police staff being a member of BNP."

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) received a voluntary referral from Merseyside Police, but will not be involved in the investigation.

Naseem Malik, IPCC Commissioner for the North West, said: "I have every confidence that Merseyside Police will investigate this matter thoroughly."

In a statement yesterday on the party's website, BNP Leader Nick Griffin said the leak was a "disgraceful act of treachery" adding that the former BNP members involved had subsequently been sacked.

He also said the list was "essentially genuine", though a number of names of people who were not or are not party members had been added.

See: Merseyside Officer Named On BNP Member List

(JM)