Five officers who work for the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) in Oxfordshire are being investigated after “discriminatory, derogatory or pornographic” messages were shared in a WhatsApp group.

The police watchdog has launched a criminal investigation into six serving officers and one former officer.

Five work at the CNC, as did the ex-officer.

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The other officer has since moved to another force in the Southwest.

All seven are being investigated over “grossly offensive messages” under the Communications Act, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

They have also been told they are under investigation for potential gross misconduct, although it does not mean criminal charges or misconduct proceedings will follow.

The investigation was launched after information came to light in a separate police investigation.

The case is not linked to previous probes into WhatsApp groups which had members including Sarah Everard’s killer, Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens.

The IOPC said it cannot provide further information on the latest investigation, including the name of the other police force, as it may identify those involved.

IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: “The allegations against these officers and a former officer are extremely serious and concerning.

“On conclusion of our investigation we will decide whether the matters should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, whose role it is to determine whether criminal charges will follow.

“As this work is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

It comes as Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley announced plans for a new anti-corruption unit to crack down on officers and staff who are misogynistic, homophobic or sexist, and other forms of abusive behaviour.

The Met’s new Anti-corruption and Abuse Command has been launched to root out “criminal colleagues”.

More detectives will be hired, staff could face more drug testing and new technology will be used to overhaul work to track down corrupt officers, the force said.

A 100-strong team will investigate police who are “predatory, who abuse their position of trust - for their personal, financial or sexual advantage – whether on duty, off duty, in person or online”, using undercover tactics where needed.

Overall the plan boosts the numbers working in the professional standards department by 130 officers and 20 staff, according to the Met.

Mr Rowley said: “As part of my commitment to renew policing by consent and to bring more trust, less crime and high standards to the Met, I’m investing in extra officers and staff, skills and technology to root out those corrupt or abusive officers or staff.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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