 Six former Metropolitan Police officers have been charged over sending 'grossly offensive' racist messages through WhatsApp. The force announced the charges on Tuesday afternoon and they follow an investigation by the Met's directorate of professional standards. The investigation was launched following a BBC Newsnight investigation last October, and the six men, all in their 60s, have been charged with 20 offences between them. The officers served in various parts of the force but all spent time in the Diplomatic Protection Group, now known as the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command. They were not serving during their alleged participation in the group and they had all retired between 2001 and 2015. A first arrest was made within hours of the BBC passing the allegations on, the Met says, and the investigation has continued since then. It found 'inappropriate communications' were shared within a closed WhatsApp group between August 2018 and September 2022. Commander James Harman said: 'As soon as we were made aware of these allegations we acted to launch an investigation. 'I am pleased that following the determined work of officers we have been able to secure these charges. 'We are working relentlessly to rebuild the trust of the public which has understandably been dented by a number of high profile incidents and investigations in recent years which have involved officers or former officers. 'The honest majority of Met officers are fully behind this work. 'They are tired of being let down by a minority in policing and they are aware of the damage poor behaviour can do to our relationship with the communities we serve. 'I recognise announcements about the outcome of our investigations may have the potential to cause further public concern, but I hope it demonstrates our absolute commitment to investigate any corrupt and abusive behaviour from the Met. 'I hope the public will reco){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Six former Metropolitan Police officers have been charged over sending ‘grossly offensive’ racist messages through WhatsApp.
The force announced the charges on Tuesday afternoon and they follow an investigation by the Met’s directorate of professional standards.
The investigation was launched following a BBC Newsnight investigation last October, and the six men, all in their 60s, have been charged with 20 offences between them.
The officers served in various parts of the force but all spent time in the Diplomatic Protection Group, now known as the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.