A Sussex police officer has been dismissed after he made racist comments and used offensive language towards a fellow officer while they were off duty.
PC Jack Nicholson, 27, who was based on Brighton and Hove division, was the subject of a misconduct hearing held at Sussex Police headquarters today (Thursday 24 April).
The hearing was told that the former officer went on a holiday abroad with colleagues on Friday 22 March 2024.
After a night out drinking and socialising, he repeatedly made racist and discriminatory remarks to one of his colleagues which were offensive.
An investigation was carried out and it was determined the officer’s behaviour would be the subject of a disciplinary hearing.
The misconduct panel, chaired by Surrey Police Assistant Chief Constable Peter Gardner, was told that the officer resigned from the force in January this year.
The panel found that his behaviour was a breach of the standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy and equality and diversity.
“And he would have been dismissed without notice, if he was still a serving officer in the force.
“He will now be added to the College of Policing ‘barred list’ which will prevent a return to policing.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme, the deputy head of force professional standards, said: “The language used in this incidence was appalling which the former officer accepts.
“Sussex Police expects all people, whether a member of the public or a colleague, to be treated with respect and courtesy at all times.
“We will never allow behaviour that is discriminatory to race or any other protected characteristic to go unchallenged.
“All our staff are aware of the standards of professional behaviour and the force remains committed to holding officers to account where they fall below the high standards the public rightly expect.”
So from March until January, when he resigned, he still drew a salary? How does this take so long – oh a lack of good investigators perhaps? On the flip side, and experienced officer who obviously had a drunken outburst is disbarred? Surely some diversity training, educating him on the ramifications of his attitude and behaviour could ensure that all that training has not gone to waste?
According to companies house he now runs Brighton Auto Detailing Ltd in Ovingdean but still lists his occupation as police officer.
Let’s hope his cars are cleaner than his language.
Seriously though. Seems harsh that he got kicked out for comments on holiday. He wasn’t making them in work.
Like the old saying goes, a policeman is never off duty.
Typical copper. Most hide it well but are racist homophobic and narcissistic
Totally agree with the narcissist comment. Gone are the days of good guys trying to make a difference. The coppers I’ve known socially have all shared a love of the uniform, the power and the pay – which contrary to reports escalates quite rapidly. They’ve also been among the most immature blokes I’ve encountered with little concern for anyone but themselves. Shame because I’m sure there are good ones out there – not that you’d know it as seemingly another police officer is disciplined every day for misconduct.
Wasnt at work, wasnt in uniform, wasnt even in the country lol On holiday on a night out, with he no doubt counted as a mate, and comes back to a he said-she said bs, wheres the proof? was it even ”racist and discriminatory” for was it free speech, a joke or banter? we will no doubt never know.