Nottinghamshire Police inspector dismissed after ‘misogynistic’ and ‘unprofessional’ tweets
A police inspector has been dismissed from Nottinghamshire Police after posting malicious, abusive, and antagonistic messages. Two female members of the public complained to the force about the behaviour of Inspector Philip Grimwade, who had posted unprofessional messages on Twitter – now known as X – during January and April, 2023. Some of his tweets directly concerned a woman involved in the Sarah Everard[1] vigil, and came at a time when the police were concerned about the attitude of police officers towards women.
Inspector Grimwade attended an Accelerated Gross Misconduct Hearing at Force HQ on Monday, November 20. An investigation by Nottinghamshire Police[2] ‘s Professional Standards Directorate into his social media interaction began as soon as the first complainant came forward. The inspector’s tweets had been directed at members of the public.
What three words would you use to describe Nottinghamshire? Let us know[3] Some of the comments he made described two female Twitter users as “mentalists” and “narcissists”. The complainants felt these comments were “misogynistic”, “abusive” and “unprofessional”.
Inspector Grimwade had been serving as a police officer for 26 years, and said he had originally set up his Twitter account to shine a light on the good work of the police. However, over time it has been reported that he lost focus, perspective and manners. He denied having misogynistic views and was deeply remorseful for what he did, and also admitted gross conduct.
The gross misconduct hearing was chaired by Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police, Kate Meynell, and found that the Inspector had breached the standards of professional behaviour. His Twitter content was found to relate to discreditable conduct and authority, respect and courtesy. At the hearing, Chief Constable Meynell said: “The officer sent derogatory, offensive, discriminatory and abusive comments on twitter over a period of time from December 2017 until January 2023.
“This is at a time when policing is under considerable national scrutiny through high-profile cases where there has been a failing to prevent or protect women and girls from abuse and violence. His postings directly concerned a woman involved in the Sarah Everard vigil at a time when quite rightly the public were concerned about the attitude of police officers towards women and girls. “The officer’s conduct was intentional, deliberate and targeted and occurred over a period of years.
It was repeated and sustained behaviour.” She continued: “It was or should have been apparent to him that this would cause personal distress to the individuals involved and to the reputation of Nottinghamshire Police and wider policing. The officer was in a position of responsibility as he was an Inspector.
He was a role model to junior officers and staff and he was responsible for setting the standards.
“In any event, the expectation is that an officer of any rank would not conduct himself in this way.” Inspector Grimwade has been dismissed from Nottinghamshire Police and placed on the Barred List.
Former Met Police officer Wayne Couzens was jailed for life for the murder of Sarah Everard, admitting the kidnap, rape and murder of the 33-year-old marketing executive in a case that sparked national outrage and calls for more action to tackle violence against women.
References
- ^ Sarah Everard (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ Police (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ Let us know (ngx.me)