Shared images of detainees - South Yorkshire Police, November 2020

Our investigation discovered that an officer shared images of people in police custody using his personal mobile phone. He sent them, along with inappropriate and derogatory comments about the individuals, via WhatsApp to current and former colleagues.

Following a referral from South Yorkshire Police, we began an independent investigation in November 2020.

During our investigation into conduct allegations that came to light as part of evidence gathered for a separate IOPC investigation, we examined the officer’s personal mobile phone and carried out detailed analytical work to identify any operational policing images or images of concern.

Analysis of the officer's mobile phone also revealed he had shared personal details about someone who was convicted of a crime; details of a hate crime report; and an image, taken from body-worn video footage, of an officer with an unknown woman. He shared images of people who had been detained in a police cell, and in other settings such as a hospital, with colleagues. The WhatsApp exchanges with officers in the group also showed he made offensive comments about those in the pictures.

Our investigation concluded in 2022. We found the officer may have breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of his confidentiality, integrity, and conduct.

The force agreed he had a case to answer for gross misconduct and arranged disciplinary proceedings. An independently chaired panel following a three-day hearing, which finished in June 2023, found gross misconduct proven against the officer.

The officer had completed training by the force on storing and sharing operational policing material so was aware of what was expected of him as an officer.

We carefully considered whether there were any learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

For this investigation, we did not issue any learning recommendations.