Met Inspector's Whatsapp Chat Violated Standards

Met Inspector's WhatsApp Chat 'Breached Standards'

The head of the Met's Black Police Association (MBPA) has been found to have committed gross misconduct over a group chat where racist, sexist, and inappropriate messages were sent and received. Insp Charles Ehikioya was in a WhatsApp chat with former officer Carlo Francisco where offensive messages were exchanged.

Allegations of Misconduct

In more than 7,000 messages between 2017 and 2020, the officer was said to have sent and received jokes, pictures, and videos, including racist and sexist content. The panel, led by Cdr Jason Prins, found that Insp Ehikioya's conduct amounted to a breach of professional behavior standards and could potentially lead to dismissal.

Panel Findings

Messages in the chat included jokes about sex with a girl with Down's syndrome, mockery of the late Duke of Edinburgh's car crash, and a video featuring a child with a naked bottom. The panel concluded that Insp Ehikioya engaged in racist, sexist, and misogynistic behavior that deeply damaged public confidence in the police service.

Conclusion

The panel has not yet decided on whether Insp Ehikioya will be dismissed. However, the evidence presented during the hearing paints a troubling picture of unacceptable behavior that goes against the values of equality and diversity upheld by the Metropolitan Police Service.