A father-daughter duo, PCs Craig and Annie Napier, who worked together as police officers, were found to have engaged in ‘highly derogatory’ and ‘abhorrently racist’ chats on WhatsApp for their own ‘self-amusement’ between April 2020 and May 2021. The tribunal heard that they exchanged ‘vile’ messages mocking victims and colleagues. In one instance, they discussed a crime scene in October 2020, with Annie asking if the victim was ‘mangled’, to which Craig responded that she was face down and he couldn’t see much except blood around her head. When Annie asked if it was murder, Craig replied, ‘Who knows and dares to dream, I’ll let you know when I know babe.’ Both Napiers were found guilty of gross misconduct, with Craig labeled as the ‘instigator’ and Annie as an active participant in the ‘repulsive’ exchanges.
The panel’s report described the messages as ‘highly offensive, hostile, and discriminatory’ on the grounds of disability, race, nationality, gender, and sexual orientation. Examples of their inappropriate conversations included Craig mentioning being on a scene of a ‘p*ed up sg rape’ in January 2021, and Annie asking if a child’s death was ‘trampy’. During a protest in June 2020, Craig mentioned being stuck behind a group of people lying down on the road, to which Annie responded with a disturbing suggestion to ‘drive over them’. Despite the force describing Annie as ‘brave’ for facing a man who spat in her face during an arrest in May 2020, their private conversations painted a different picture of their attitudes.
The misconduct hearing panel’s report highlighted how the Napiers’ messages ‘grossly undermine public confidence’ and ‘bring discredit upon West Midlands Police’ as they disrespected colleagues, victims, and the public in a highly offensive and prejudiced manner. The report stated that their exchanges showed a clear lack of respect for difference and protected characteristics, and the level of hostility demonstrated in their communications was deemed as grossly offensive. Both Craig and Annie would have faced dismissal had they not resigned earlier in the year. The revelations about their conversations shed light on the attitudes and behaviors of individuals serving in law enforcement and the impact it can have on trust and public perception.
The disturbing chats between the father and daughter police officers highlight a concerning lack of professionalism and respect within the force. The fact that they engaged in derogatory and racist conversations for their own entertainment is not only shocking but also damaging to the reputation of the police force. The panel’s findings emphasized the importance of upholding ethical standards and treating all individuals with respect and dignity. The Napiers’ actions were deemed as a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the public, and their behavior was seen as incompatible with the values and principles of West Midlands Police.
The case of the Napiers serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being a police officer and the impact that inappropriate behavior can have on the community. Their actions not only reflected poorly on themselves but also on their colleagues and the organization as a whole. The tribunal’s decision to find them guilty of gross misconduct sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in law enforcement. It is essential for all members of the police force to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in order to maintain the trust and confidence of the public they serve.
Moving forward, it is crucial for police forces to implement effective measures to prevent and address instances of misconduct within their ranks. This includes promoting a culture of accountability, providing education and training on diversity and inclusion, and ensuring that channels for reporting inappropriate behavior are accessible and effective. By taking proactive steps to address issues of misconduct and discrimination, police forces can work towards rebuilding trust with the communities they serve and upholding the values of justice, equality, and respect for all individuals. The case of the Napiers serves as a sobering reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure that all members of law enforcement uphold the highest standards of conduct and professionalism.
