A FORMER Dorset Police special constable has been barred from working as an officer forever over offensive messages he shared in a WhatsApp group with colleagues.

Jack Thrumble is a serving Police Constable with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary but was a Dorset Police Special Constable at the time the messages were sent.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) received a report from Dorset Police in 2022.

An investigation began and racially discriminatory and offensive language was used by Thrumble during a conversation relating to a dating app.

At a hearing carried out at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary headquarters, conducted by an independent, legally qualified chair on April 10, it was determined he had breached standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity, and discreditable conduct.

The panel gave a sanction of dismissal.

IOPC regional director David Ford said: “The messages PC Thrumble sent were offensive and racially discriminatory.

“Behaviour of this nature can seriously undermine public confidence in policing.

“The outcome of this hearing makes clear that the use of offensive language is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “We are aware of this misconduct matter that was independently investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and related to the actions of the officer when he was a Special Constable with Dorset Police in 2020.

“Due to other ongoing related misconduct matters, we are unable to comment further on this particular case.

“However, I would like to reassure the public that we have a raft of measures in place to identify and root out any individual who displays biased, unethical, unprofessional or criminal behaviour. 

“In February 2023 the Force launched its Call it Out behaviours campaign to remind all officers and staff of their responsibility to call out unacceptable behaviour and report matters so they can be investigated. 

“We have delivered training to all first and second-line managers focused on standards and ethics, provide regular updates and advice to the workforce relating to misconduct matters and wider learning and ask everyone to read and sign the Integrity Health Check as part of the annual Professional Development Review process. 

“To further boost our efforts in this area, in March 2024 we joined forces across the country to launch the Crimestoppers Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service to provide the public with an anonymous and confidential route for the public to report concerns.

“It is important to note that there are so many good people in Dorset Police who display exemplary standards of behaviour and do their best to keep people safe, catching criminals, protecting people and supporting victims and witnesses. For the minority who do not, swift and robust action will be taken.

“I would encourage anyone with concerns about a police officer, member of staff or volunteer to come forward so we can investigate.”

Jack Thrumble will also be placed on the police barred list, preventing him from working as a police officer again.