Six Greater Manchester Police officers sacked after colleague racially abused in Bury
A misconduct panel found the officers had her accent mimicked and made comments about her hair
Six police officers have been sacked after a colleague was subjected to racist behaviour by fellow officers in Greater Manchester.
A misconduct panel found the actions of six serving officers and two former officers amounted to gross misconduct, following an internal investigation on Greater Manchester Police's Bury district.
A ninth officer was found to have committed misconduct.
The force's Professional Standards Directorate launched an investigation in July 2024, after a report that an officer had been subjected to racist behaviour by colleagues in December 2023.
The panel heard how the officer, referred to as PC Y, who has African heritage and has been granted anonymity, made a complaint after her accent was mimicked by a group of officers.
She was also compared to a suspect with similar skin colour, and one officer made a derogatory comment about her hair.
The hearing lasted just over two weeks, with the panel concluding the officers breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Equality and Diversity, Authority, Respect and Courtesy.
The panel found that the actions of PC Demi Green, PC Heena Rani, PC Lucy Granby, PC Matthew Barlow, PC Matthew Hill, PC Mohammed Abid, former PC Jake Holt and a former officer granted anonymity amounted to gross misconduct.
The six serving officers have been sacked without notice, while the two former officers would have been dismissed had they not already left the force.
Sergeant Adrian Bick was found to have committed misconduct and was issued a written warning, as there was no breach of the standard of equality and diversity.
Eight officers and former officers will be added to the College of Policing Barred List.
Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said:
"No officer or member of staff should have to come to work and experience discriminatory behaviour from the people they serve alongside. Everyone has the right to feel respected, valued and part of the same team with a shared commitment to serving our communities and keeping people safe.
"I would like to acknowledge the courage of the officer who came forward and reported these concerns. It is important that people have the confidence to speak up, knowing they will be listened to and supported.
"Since this investigation began, our Bury district has worked closely with officers, staff and community representatives to listen to concerns, take action, and ensure we remain a police service that our diverse communities can identify with and be proud of. Those conversations and relationships are vital in helping us build trust and confidence."