PC Alexander Higgs, PC Charlie Cano and Officer A outcome summary
Misconduct hearing outcome
Officers concerned: PC Alexander Higgs, PC Charlie Cano and Officer A
Date of hearing: 19 December 2024
Summary
It is alleged that between 17 February 2020 and 11 May 2020 the Subject Officers were members of a WhatsApp group in which they shared inappropriate, discriminatory and offensive comments.
Standards of Professional Behaviour
In the circumstances, the Appropriate Authority contends that the actions of PC Higgs, PC Cano and Officer A breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour as set out in the Regulation 5 and Schedule 2 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 namely (as amended by The Police (Conduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2024):
- Discreditable conduct
- Authority, Respect and Courtesy
- Equality and Diversity
- Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct
In that their conduct may bring the police service into disrepute and damage the relationship of trust and confidence between the police and the public.
As a result of that stated herein, if proven, the conduct of PC Higgs, PC Cano and Officer A individually or cumulatively amounts to gross misconduct and their dismissal may be justified.
Decision
The Chair, AC Laurence Taylor, found the allegations of ‘Authority, Respect and Courtesy’, ‘Discreditable Conduct’, ‘Equality and Diversity’ and ‘Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct’ proven as Gross Misconduct and the Officers were issued with Final Written Warnings lasting as follows:
- Higgs: 5 years
- Cano: 3 years
- Officer A: 5 years