Officer dismissed over George Floyd posts put on social media
A police officer from Northumbria Police has been dismissed following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct for posts he made on social media.
Police Constable Lee Scott faced six allegations of gross misconduct after he posted commentsonFacebookfollowingthedeathofGeorgeFloydin May 2020 and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests.
TheIndependentOfficefor PoliceConduct(IOPC)received a referral from Northumbria Police in June 2020 and began an independent investigation.
The allegations covered a number of posts including sharing an image of George FloydthathadbeenusedbyFar Right groups, making homophobic remarks relating to a senior police officer wearing an LGBT lanyard and making inappropriate comments aboutaChiefConstabletaking the knee during a Black Lives Matter protest.
IOPC investigators compared the images and comments posted against relevant local and national policies and in December last year, they concluded that Scott should face gross misconduct proceedings.
A police disciplinary panel was held on Friday, September 24, and concluded that Pc Scott, who had been suspended from duty for the duration of the investigation, should be dismissed after the case was proven.
Superintendent Steve Ammari, Head of the Professional Standards Department at Northumbria Police, has condemned the actions of Pc Scott and reassured the public the force always expects the highestofstandardsfromtheir staff.
He said: “First and foremost, I want to make it clear that the actions of this individual were completely unacceptable.
“This was recognised by a colleague who came forward to report concerns, which reflects the culture within the
Force where people have the confidence to speak up and challenge this type of behaviour.
“We have always been clear that we expect the highest of standards to be maintained at all times and if anyone is found to have fallen below these we arecommittedtotakingappropriate action.
“We are determined to ensure that the actions of an individualdonotunderminethe professionalism and commitment displayed every single day by our officers, staff and volunteerstothecommunities we are proud to serve.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “There is no place for hate in our region and certainly not in our police force.
"This officer has let his force, his colleagues and importantly,thecommunitieshe was meant to be serving down.
"It is clear that these behaviours fell well below the standards expected from a police officer and it is only right that strong action is taken. Northumbria Police works hard to ensure inclusivity for all and there is no place for anyone who is not committed to honouring this value.”
IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle highlighted that PC Scott’s comments put the whole integrity of Northumbria Police into question, particularly with minority communities.
She added: “There is no place in policing for officers whomakeoffensivecomments of any kind, whether on or off dutyandwhetherinapublicor private forum.”