Police officer dismissed without notice

A police officer has been dismissed without notice.

PC Samuel Thacker, a response officer based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has been dismissed without notice following an accelerated misconduct hearing.

An investigation by our Professional Standards Department found that, PC Thacker sent WhatsApp messages to male colleagues which contained comments that were offensive, derogatory and demeaning about women, many of which were about female police officers. He also sent messages that contained offensive/discriminatory comments about people with a disability and some which were offensive and derogatory about more senior officers. 

The panel found that his conduct amounted to gross misconduct.

The one-day hearing which took place on 28 November, which was chaired by Chief Constable Chris Noble, found Thacker had breached the standards relating to authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity and discreditable conduct.

Thacker will be placed on the national College of Policing’s Barred List, preventing him from working within policing and other law enforcement bodies.

Deputy Chief Constable Jon Roy said: “PC Thacker’s messages were both offensive and disrespectful.

“Sexism and misogyny are not acceptable and we will continue to take robust action against any officer or member of staff that doesn’t act with the highest standards of authority, respect and courtesy.

“Every day hardworking police officers perform their duties with the utmost professionalism and I am sure they share my disgust at this kind of behaviour.”