Officers protecting nuclear facilities investigated for 'racist' conversations

Nine officers working for the Civil Nuclear Constabulary are being investigated over allegations they engaged in racist and sexist conversations while on duty.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an investigation after a whistleblower overheard discussions between a group of serving officers and reported them.

It is the second probe launched by the police watchdog into the CNC in as many months and takes to 17 the number of current and serving police officers now under investigation.

The CNC protects the UK’s nuclear facilities and it is the only police force in the country for which all officers are armed.

Referring to the latest inquiry, a spokesman for the IOPC said: “Our investigations will look into allegations that these officers openly engaged in conversations of a discriminatory nature and either used, or failed to challenge, offensive language.

“All nine have been advised they are under investigation for potential breaches of the standards of professional behaviour amounting to gross misconduct.

“This does not necessarily mean conduct proceedings or criminal charges will follow and the status of each officer will remain under review throughout the investigation.

'Robust and independent investigation'

Sal Naseem, IOPC regional director, said: “Officers are committed to maintain exemplary standards of conduct, integrity and professionalism so allegations like this are extremely concerning and will be subject to robust and independent investigation.

“We continue to encourage officers to report any situation in which they witness colleagues falling below standards they should adhere to. As this work is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

Last month, the IOPC began a criminal investigation into five serving and two former CNC officers accused of sharing messages in a WhatsApp group that were deemed to be discriminatory, derogatory or of a pornographic nature.

All seven have also been advised they are under investigation for potential gross misconduct.

Wayne Couzens who kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard served in the CNC before transferring to the Metropolitan Police.

Last week two of his former colleagues in the Met, Jonathon Cobban and Joel Borders, were given jail sentences after being found guilty of sending grossly offensive messages on WhatsApp.