SIX current and two former West Yorkshire Police officers are to face a gross misconduct hearing.

It's alleged that they were part of a WhatsApp group "where posts were made that may be considered inappropriate, offensive, and derogatory". 

PS Otter, PC Hillyard, PC X, PC Hawkins, PC Habeeb, PC Riddett, Ex-PC T Harrison, and Ex-PC M Harrison will face the hearing on Monday, September 30, at 10am at Trafalgar House police station in Bradford.

A note on West Yorkshire Police's misconduct hearings page says it is alleged that between July 31, 2020, and September 11, 2021, the officers were part of the WhatsApp group.

A spokesperson for the force added: "It is alleged that the actions of the officers are a breach of the standards of Professional behaviour in relation to:

"Authority, Respect and Courtesy – The officers have not acted with self-control and tolerance or treated members of the public with respect or courtesy. 

"Confidentiality – The officers have not treated information with respect; Information was disclosed when there was no lawful policing purpose to do so and in circumstances where it was not in the proper course of their duties. 

"Equality and Diversity – The officers conduct was not in accordance with the principles of fairness and impartiality. The officers have unfairly discriminated against others. 

"Discreditable Conduct – The officers conduct brings discredit on the police service and undermines public confidence in policing.

"Challenging and reporting improper behaviour – The officers have failed to challenge or report the content in the group chat. 

"These matters are individually and/or collectively alleged to amount to gross misconduct, namely a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour that, if proved, is so serious that dismissal would be justified."