Officer would have been dismissed had she not retired

An Accelerated Misconduct Hearing has found that an officer would have been dismissed without notice if she had not retired.

Former detective constable, Clare Davenport, who was based at headquarters, was investigated last year.

The hearing, which was held on Thursday 3 August, found that Davenport had breached police standards of honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, orders and instructions, discreditable conduct and equality and diversity.

In April 2021, Davenport used racist/discriminatory language on a text message to her partner; in February 2022, she used racist/discriminatory language on a WhatsApp message with a contact; and in September 2021, she arranged for her husband to call in sick for her while she was abroad.

The hearing was chaired by Chief Constable Chris Noble where Davenport’s actions were determined as gross misconduct.

Davenport, who retired from the force in April 2023, will be placed on the national College of Policing’s Barred List, preventing her from working within policing and other law enforcement bodies.

Deputy Chief Constable Emma Barnett said: “Racist views have never and should never be acceptable in policing. Through the messages she sent Clare Davenport showed clearly that she held those views, and there is no place for her in policing.

“The third allegation shows that Davenport showed a lack of respect to her colleagues and line managers who she attempted to deceive.”