A police sergeant has been dismissed and placed on the barred list for using discriminatory language while working in a police custody suite.
A gross misconduct hearing was held at Force HQ at Sherwood Lodge on Wednesday 2 September.
The hearing was open to both the press and the public.
The officer, whose name has been anonymised on medical grounds, was working at a custody suite on 19 November 2025.
At approximately 9am, a British Asian male was being transferred from the custody suite.
The hearing heard that the officer made comments that were discriminatory, offensive and inappropriate, such as, ‘Come on, get back on the boat and go back to where you come from.’
These comments were captured on CCTV and reported by a concerned colleague.
On 27 November 2025, the matter was referred to the IOPC, and the investigation was declared independent.
The officer told the hearing that he regretted his choice of words and that they were not motivated by racial hatred.
The officer told the hearing he was responding to comments made by Person A, who was being rude and abusive.
He accepted that his response was ‘inappropriate’ and acknowledged the impact this would have on the reputation of Nottinghamshire Police.
The hearing found that the officer breached the following standards of professional behaviour – equality and diversity; authority, respect and courtesy; and discreditable conduct.
He was dismissed from the force and placed on the police barred list.
After careful consideration and specialist medical advice, the officer’s name has been anonymised due to concerns for his welfare.
Chief Constable Steve Cooper, who chaired the gross misconduct hearing, said:
“There is absolutely no place in Nottinghamshire Police for this type of language.
“Police officers should be treating all members of the public with respect and courtesy at all times, and this officer failed in his duties on this occasion.
“His behaviour has the potential to discredit the police service and undermine the public’s confidence in policing.
“That’s why this incident, and any others like it, will be taken extremely seriously, and robust action will be taken.”
