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Inspector Charles Ehikioya, the head of the Metropolitan Police’s Black Police Association (MBPA), has been dismissed for gross misconduct following the discovery of offensive messages exchanged via WhatsApp. The messages, shared between 2017 and 2020 with former officer Carlo Francisco, included content that was racist, sexist, homophobic, and ableist.
A misconduct hearing revealed that over 7,000 inappropriate messages were exchanged during this period. Among these was an image sent by Ehikioya of the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, accompanied by the comment: “message from the other side, tell the Muslims there’s no 72 virgins left.” Other messages included derogatory remarks about Chinese people, jokes about individuals with Down’s syndrome, and mockery of the late Duke of Edinburgh’s car crash. Additionally, a video was shared depicting a child with a naked bottom.
Ehikioya denied the allegations, asserting that the claims were fabricated due to his race or position within the MBPA. He stated, “I believe this outcome was manipulated to ensure a finding against me and is part of a deliberate campaign to smear my reputation.” He further expressed his intention to appeal the decision.
The panel, led by Commander Jason Prins, found that Ehikioya’s behavior breached standards of professional conduct, particularly concerning equality and diversity, discreditable conduct, and the failure to challenge and report improper conduct. Prins commented, “The panel found that the messages sent by Inspector Ehikioya or received by him, which he failed to challenge or report, deeply damage public confidence in the police service.”
The investigation into these messages began after a complaint led to the seizure of Francisco’s phone, uncovering the offensive correspondence. Francisco had previously been dismissed for an unrelated misconduct issue.
This incident has raised concerns about the culture within the Metropolitan Police Service, especially given Ehikioya’s prominent role in representing black officers. The National Black Police Association (NBPA) has criticized the disciplinary process, citing “irregularities” and the extended time taken to reach an outcome, noting that the allegations date back to 2020. Andy George, president of the NBPA, stated that the organization supported Ehikioya “from a fairness and integrity point of view” and not as a judgment of his guilt or innocence.
The Metropolitan Police has faced scrutiny over its internal culture, with this case highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing inappropriate behavior within its ranks. The force has acknowledged concerns about disproportionality in its misconduct system and has indicated that reforms are underway to address these issues.
Here are the key points regarding the dismissal of Inspector Charles Ehikioya, the head of the Metropolitan Police’s Black Police Association:
1. Reason for Dismissal:
Inspector Charles Ehikioya was dismissed for gross misconduct after a misconduct hearing revealed he exchanged offensive messages via WhatsApp with former officer Carlo Francisco between 2017 and 2020.
2. Nature of Messages:
• The messages included content that was racist, sexist, homophobic, and ableist.
• Offensive content included a comment mocking Muslims, derogatory remarks about Chinese people, jokes about individuals with Down’s syndrome, and a video of a child with a naked bottom.
3. Defense by Ehikioya:
• Ehikioya denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated due to his race or position in the Black Police Association.
• He accused the Metropolitan Police of targeting him and plans to appeal the decision.
4. Investigation and Findings:
• The messages were uncovered during a separate investigation into Francisco, whose phone was seized after a complaint.
• Francisco was previously dismissed for unrelated misconduct.
5. Misconduct Panel’s Decision:
• The panel found that Ehikioya’s behavior breached professional standards, including equality, diversity, and the duty to challenge improper conduct.
• Commander Jason Prins stated the behavior deeply damaged public confidence in the police service.
6. Reaction from the National Black Police Association (NBPA):
• The NBPA criticized the disciplinary process for its delays and “irregularities.”
• NBPA president Andy George clarified that their support for Ehikioya was based on fairness in the process, not judgment of his guilt or innocence.
7. Implications for the Metropolitan Police:
• The case has raised concerns about the culture within the Met and the integrity of its misconduct system.
• The force has acknowledged the need for reforms to address disproportionality in handling misconduct cases.
This case highlights significant challenges within the Metropolitan Police regarding accountability, equality, and public trust.
The dismissal of Inspector Charles Ehikioya, the head of the Metropolitan Police’s Black Police Association, underscores the complex challenges faced by the Metropolitan Police in addressing misconduct while maintaining public trust. While the offensive nature of the messages exchanged cannot be understated, the case also raises important questions about the transparency and fairness of the disciplinary process. The controversy surrounding Ehikioya’s defense, the role of internal bias, and the broader cultural issues within the force highlight a need for systemic reform. For an institution tasked with upholding equality and justice, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the work still required to rebuild public confidence and ensure accountability at all levels.
Attached is a news article regarding the sacking of a black met police officer over racial slurs
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpdxl1gdjvxo.amp
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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