Devon Police officer sacked for racist remark, banned for life

A Devon and Cornwall police officer has been dismissed for serious misconduct after making a racist comment to a fellow police officer. PC Helen Taylor was in the presence of several colleagues at Charles Cross Police Station in Plymouth when she used racist, offensive and discriminatory language towards a black police officer.

The incident happened on May 4, 2023, when Taylor was on duty in the response desk with three other colleagues. Two police colleagues then entered the office to use the printer.

As they left the office, Taylor referenced a comment one of them is said to have made fifteen years ago. The report on Taylor’s behavior states that she said: “If I told it like it is, then I would lose my job.”

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When asked by another officer who entered the office what he meant by that, Taylor said he said, “A black bastard.”

The officer who entered the room and the other officers present were shocked by the comment and agreed it should be reported. Taylor admitted during the disciplinary hearing that he had used racist language and the panel found that, on the balance of probabilities, the allegation was proved.

Taylor was therefore dismissed on the grounds of serious misconduct following Exeter’s public disciplinary hearing, which concluded on 30 April 2024. Full outcome announcement available to read here.

The disciplinary panel, chaired by legally qualified independent chairperson Mrs Nicola Haywood, found that the officer’s conduct fell below the expected standards of professional conduct in relation to equality and diversity; authority, respect and courtesy; and disreputable behavior.

It was determined that the officer would be dismissed without notice. The officer’s details will be put on the Policing College’s Barred List, preventing them from working for the police.

The group concluded that the decision was made largely because of the critical need to maintain public confidence in Devon and Cornwall Police. The dismissal was found to be necessary to emphasize that such language and behavior will not be tolerated.

They found that it was also necessary to maintain public confidence that the principles of equality and diversity would be promoted and protected by Devon and Cornwall Police. Both officers and the general public should be aware of the force’s firm and unwavering commitment to dealing with such behaviour.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thorne said: “Racist, discriminatory language or behavior of any kind is unacceptable and goes against our values. We continue to offer our full support to the officer who was subjected to these unacceptable and offensive comments.

“Devon and Cornwall Police is committed to being an open and inclusive organisation, with equality and diversity key to maintaining the trust of our communities. We expect all our officers and staff to adhere to the highest standards of behavior both on and off duty.”

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