MEMBERS of a ‘toxic’ police unit who were sacked after covert recordings caught a catalogue of racist, sexist and homophobic remarks have been criticised for their “outdated and offensive views”.

Police chiefs have welcomed a decision to dismiss three members of Hampshire Constabulary’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) based at the Northern Police Investigation Centre, in Basingstoke.

Detective Sergeant Oliver Lage, Detective Sergeant Gregory Willcox and PC James Oldfield have been discharged from the constabulary without notice.

Retired Detective Inspector Tim Ireson and former PC Craig Bannerman would have been dismissed if they had not already left the service. The sixth officer, PC Andrew Ferguson was given a final written warning.

Following today’s outcome Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said: “This case came about following an anonymous report through the force’s confidential reporting system. We launched an internal investigation which included a decision to conduct convert monitoring within the SOCU North office at the Northern Police Investigation Centre.  During that time, discriminatory comments were captured that were neither challenged or reported.

“During the hearing, the panel heard a catalogue of sexist, racist, homophobic and ableist language and commentary that has rightly shocked us all and understandably left people with many questions about how this has been allowed to happen.

“I have always said that policing is built upon the values of professionalism, compassion, courage and integrity and the public have a right to expect the highest standards from the officers and staff who are entrusted to keep them safe.

“These officers have failed to deliver on the promise they made to uphold fundamental human rights and accord equal respect to all people, the oath they declared when they took the office of constable.

“Policing has never before been under so much appropriate scrutiny to ensure an inclusive environment for all our officers and staff to flourish and bring their best.

“There is no place in my force, or in policing more widely, for those who do not live up to this standard.

“These behaviours fell far short of those expected by me. These officers have undermined the trust and confidence of our communities and damaged the reputations of their colleagues who do treat people with respect and uphold the values and standards quite rightly expected by those we police.

“I would hope that the public have seen that we don’t accept this type of behaviour, that when it is raised that we will take action and we will be open and transparent about that, no matter how difficult that may be.”

Zoe Wakefield, chair of Hampshire Police Federation, added: “We note the outcome of today’s hearing involving six Hampshire Police officers. The outdated and offensive views we heard during the hearing have no place in society and they certainly have no place in policing.

“We are supporting all colleagues who were affected by this inappropriate and prejudiced behaviour and commend those who highlighted it.”

She continued: “We should not let the awful language and terminology used by a very small number of police officers tarnish the hard work and dedication of thousands of police officers and staff in Hampshire who are out there every day bravely striving to keep people safe and catch criminals.

“They will also feel hugely let down by their colleagues and will understand that the public expect better.”