Police officer who ‘took indecent images in uniform’ dismissed from Northamptonshire Police

051020 Police Stockshot PA
The force said it was alleged that the pair made comments that were “racially offensive” and referenced female colleagues and members of the public in a “derogatory” way. Credit: PA Images

A police officer who “took indecent images of himself in uniform” on police premises has been dismissed.

PC Thomas Lightfoot of Northamptonshire Police was also accused of being involved in “vile” WhatsApp messages with his colleague PC Robert Rowland, which included “sexist” and “deeply racist” comments.

Neither of the officers attended the gross misconduct hearing chaired by the force’s Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet on Friday, but both admitted the allegations, Northamptonshire Police said.

The force said it was alleged that the pair made comments that were “racially offensive” and referenced female colleagues and members of the public in a “derogatory” way.

It was also alleged that PC Rowland made comments that “advocated violence”.

Mr Balhatchet found, based on the evidence, that the matter amounted to gross misconduct and that PC Rowland would have been dismissed if he had not resigned the day before the hearing, and the outcome for PC Lightfoot should be dismissal without notice.

Speaking after the hearing, Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley said: “You can’t feel anything other than utter revulsion at the deeply racist, sexist and misogynistic messaging that went on between these two individuals over a long period of time on WhatsApp.

“Furthermore, Lightfoot took it upon himself to take indecent photos on police premises immediately following deployment at a number of serious incidents.

“When these allegations of gross misconduct came to light, the force moved quickly to hold an accelerated misconduct hearing to ensure they are both removed from policing.”

Mr Balhatchet said: “As the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police, to hear and read about such vile behaviour, I am disgusted.

“These officers are a total disgrace to the public of Northamptonshire, this force and the wider police service.

“I have no hesitation in dismissing PC Lightfoot without notice and finding former PC Rowland would have been dismissed.”

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