A former police officer, Benjamin Kirk, has been banned from working in policing after being found to have sent racist messages in a WhatsApp group with fellow officers. Kirk was part of a chat named ‘Band of Brothers’ with five other Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) officers where derogatory, racist, and pornographic content was shared.
Kirk had transferred to Avon and Somerset Police in 2020 but was suspended in October 2022 after a misconduct hearing in August found him guilty of gross misconduct for sending offensive racist messages. The panel concluded that he had breached several Standards of Professional Behaviour including Authority, Respect and Courtesy, and Equality and Diversity.
Avon and Somerset Police Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly expressed shock at Kirk’s behaviour, emphasizing that there is no place for such views in policing. The force is committed to ensuring that officers understand the consequences of misusing social media platforms and encourages a culture of calling out discrimination.
The inappropriate messages in the WhatsApp group were discovered during an unrelated investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Over 1,400 messages exchanged between June 2020 and February 2021 were scrutinized, with some referencing protected characteristics like race, gender, religion, and disability.
Examples of the offensive content included messages demeaning women, racist remarks, pornographic material, and graphic/offensive content involving accidents. The panel also found gross misconduct cases against five other former CNC officers, who would have faced dismissal if still in service.
IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates condemned the officers’ actions, stating that such behaviour has no place in society. She highlighted the importance of colleagues feeling empowered to challenge such conduct and called for a culture of zero tolerance towards discriminatory attitudes within policing.
The investigation serves as a crucial step towards eradicating such behaviour within the police force. The public’s trust in policing is paramount, and efforts to address misconduct and uphold professional standards are essential to maintaining that trust.
In conclusion, the case of Benjamin Kirk and his associates underscores the ongoing need for vigilance against discriminatory behaviour within law enforcement. Upholding integrity and respect within the police force is crucial for building and maintaining public trust in the institution.