Local cop Dean Murphy has been dismissed without notice after he shared ‘inappropriate and offensive’ text messages in a group chat with other officers

A local police officer has been dismissed from his post for sharing offensive messages with other officers in a WhatsApp group.

PC Dean Murphy, based in the North East Command Unit, was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy, as well as challenging and reporting improper conduct.

The panel concluded that two colleagues he shared the offensive messages with, former PC Rebecca King and former PC Kevin Odongo – both previously based in the same command – would also have been dismissed from the organisation without notice had they still been serving.

The three officers sent and received “inappropriate” and “”offensive” messages between 1st September and 16th September 2021. As well as sharing the messages, the officers were also dealt with for failing to challenge each other about the nature of the messages.

The messages came to light during an unrelated misconduct investigation into a now former officer. He and a second former officer were also identified as being part of the WhatsApp group.

PCs Murphy, King and Odongo were all placed on restricted duties once under investigation, and King and Odongo later resigned from the organisation.

Chief Superintendent Dan Card, responsible for policing the North East Command Unit, said: “These messages were highly offensive and I am appalled and bewildered that the officers found them in any way amusing or gratifying. Those who hold such views are not fit to serve in the organisation and it is right the panel concluded they should be dismissed with immediate effect.”

All three will now be placed on the barred list held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

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